The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association has voted to proceed with a ballot for industrial action.
A secret ballot among members will take place in the next fortnight.
A spokesman for the IHCA said they want a legally-binding commitment from the Minister for Heath, Ms Harney, that the state will back consultants no longer covered by the Medical Defence Union.
Ms Harney, has appealed to consultants not to proceed with industrial action, saying there are enough problems in the health service.
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On Friday, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said 89 per cent of its 700 consultants voted in favour of industrial action.