The Medical Defence Union (MDU) and Department of Health officials have agreed to resume talks in an attempt to reach a compromise in a dispute about the introduction of a new malpractice insurance scheme.
A spokesman for the Department confirmed that the meeting will take place on Monday, but did not say if any progress had been made. He added, however, that intensive talks were continuing.
The groups met for over five hours yesterday. The Department of Health has introduced the enterprise liability scheme which insures doctors and hospitals through the State Claims Agency.
However, the MDU, which covered consultants in the past, has said it may not be able to cover all historic liabilities because it did not take in enough in subscriptions over the years.
It wants to transfer the liabilities to the Department of Health for €60 million, but the Department has said the liabilities could reach €400 million.
The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association began a campaign of industrial action a week ago in protest at the new insurance scheme.
It will step up its action on Monday week, when members will provide emergency services only at all public and private hospitals.