IMPACT members at the National Museum are meeting on Monday to discuss ways of escalating their industrial action. On Thursday, a one-day strike by curatorial staff seriously disrupted the official opening of the new museum premises in the former Collins Barracks.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who was supposed to attend the opening, declined to do so because it would mean passing the IMPACT picket. The Minister for Arts, Gaeltacht, Heritage and the Islands, Ms de Valera, told pickets she would do everything in her power to resolve the dispute.
However, it is unlikely there will be any significant discussions before the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevey, returns from a visit to the Far East. An IMPACT official, Mr Matt Staunton, said the striking staff were "hugely encouraged" by the large number of guests at the opening who refused to pass the pickets.