Many Schools to Close and HSE Services Disrupted on 14 October

Many schools have confirmed they will be closed on Wednesday, 14 October, and significant and widespread disruption is expected to many HSE services, due to public sector work stoppages. The action is part of a wider dispute over public sector pay.

The HSE is planning for the cancellation of all non-urgent healthcare services across hospitals and community settings on that date. This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community based services such as day services, clinics in primary care services and other scheduled care services. HSE administrative services will also be impacted.

Healthcare teams have begun to contact affected patients directly, and all appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Emergency departments, ambulance services (curtailed service) and other critical, time-sensitive healthcare services, such as urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue. People requiring urgent medical attention should not delay seeking care and should dial 999 or 112, or attend their nearest Emergency Department. GPs, GP out-of-hours and pharmacists remain available in the community.

On schools, the Irish Examiner reports that the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has directed its members to take part in 24-hour strikes on Wednesday, 14 October, and Wednesday, 21 October. It is anticipated the action will affect more than 3,000 primary schools. Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) are also expected to take part in the action planned for 14 October. IFUT members are also expected to join 24-hour strike action at third level on 14 and 21 October.

The dispute follows the expiry of the previous public sector pay agreement at the end of June. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers has called the planned action an unnecessary escalation and urged unions to enter talks quickly.

Engagement on contingency arrangements is ongoing with health sector unions, and the HSE has said further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available. The HSE regrets the inconvenience caused to patients and their families and is grateful for people’s patience and understanding.