Health minister hits out at wildcat strikes by doctors over pay

Patients shouldn't be made pawns in a pay row among doctors, according to the Health Minister.

Many freelance doctors have refused to show up for work in emergency departments after the HSE reduced their pay rate by €6 an hour. A number of emergency departments may have to close because of the lack of agency staff, but all remain open at the moment. Minister Simon Harris says the dispute needs to be dealt with through proper channels, and not by a wildcat strike.