Patient representatives have urged hospital consultants to accept the Government's commitments on medical insurance.
Consultants who are members of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) have voted to strike in a row over the issue with the Government.
A letter to consultants from the Government yesterday stated the Cabinet endorsed Tánaiste and Minister for Health Ms Harney's commitment that no consultant refused assistance by the Medical Defence Union would be left uncovered by the State if sued.
Mr Stephen McMahon, Chairman of the Irish Patients' Association (IPA), said it was unacceptable patients should be used as pawns in an argument over technicalities.
"The threatened industrial action by medical consultants is now unnecessary and unacceptable. Our legal advice is that, clearly it is the wish and intention of the Government that nobody should suffer as a result of the MDU withdrawal of cover," he said.
"Patients do not deserve this uncertainty and stress. They are a vulnerable group and we expect everybody in health services to show them the compassion and respect they deserve.
"It is not acceptable to threaten industrial action in the health services. I urge those associations representing the medical profession, in the interest of patients, to find another way to have their administrative and technical difficulties resolved," he added.