The Taoiseach is appealing for medical scientists working in Irish hospitals to call off five days of planned strike action.
Micheál Martin was speaking ahead of a planned 12-hour work stoppage by medical scientists today and tomorrow, as well as three further strike days next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Hospital labs did process urgent cases, however hundreds of outpatient appointments were cancelled during last week’s strike, with fears of significant disruption if more protests go ahead.
Scientists on the picket line outside Cork University Hospital told RedFM News that a recruitment and retention crisis is leading to burnout for some in the profession, and is resulting in others taking up roles in the private sector.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association are calling for a plan from the HSE to retain staff and say they also want pay parity with other hospital lab staff.
Speaking to RedFM News, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is calling for the association to enter talks with the HSE.
"First of all, they play an enormously significant role in terms of our health service and the crucial role and that's understood by government and acknowledged.
"In my view, the full Labour Relations machinery of the state has to be used. And I would appeal to all concerned to fully use the Labour Relations machinery that is there, to exhaust it, and perhaps I would ask people then to lift the strike action, pending the full utilisation of the Labour Relations mechanisms that are available."
