Both sides in Clonmel hospital row agree to LRC talks

Both sides in the dispute at St Luke's psychiatric hospital in Clonmel have agreed to attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow.

However Mr Des Kavanagh, general secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA), told ireland.comtonight that the protest at the hospital would continue.

Up to 170 staff began industrial action today in a row over what they claim is their employer's failure to properly investigate allegations against a senior member of staff.

Earlier Mr Kavanagh said nurses hoped to minimise "as much as possible" any disruption to patients.

He said it was the employer's responsibility to ensure the safety of employees under employment legislation.

He said the PNA's position was for the members of staff to remain on leave until an investigation had taken place but that it was willing to compromise.