Staff at a private nursing home in Co Meath that was refused registration by the Health Service Executive (HSE) last month have deferred plans to take industrial action.
The decision by Hillview nursing home staff, who are members of the Irish Nurses' Organisation (INO) and Siptu, was taken in light of the decision by the home's owner to appeal the HSE's decision to the District Court.
The appeal is due to be heard at Navan District Court today.
Industrial action by staff over what their unions claimed was management's refusal to discuss the future of the home with them in light of it being refused registration was due to begin yesterday.
The nursing home near Tara was refused registration by the HSE North-Eastern Area on June 8th as a result of what it claimed was the owner's failure to appoint an appropriate person to be in charge of the home, something required by legislation.
Brian Hunt, solicitor for the home owner, said an appropriate person had been found and the HSE's decision was therefore being appealed. "Our client is committed to doing whatever it takes to safeguard the home."
The HSE North-Eastern Area appointed a person to take over the management of the nursing home on a temporary basis, after registration was refused.
Nora Donagh, INO industrial relations officer, said it was a very uncertain time for those employed at the home.
"Management's refusal to meet with staff, despite numerous requests from the INO since April 2005, is adding to their concern. A recent request to meet regarding the provision of emergency cover in the event of industrial action has been ignored and we do not view this as the action of a reasonable employer," she said.