The union met with the HSE today to discuss contingency plans. The IMO has given a committment that oncology and dialysis services will not be effected.

It's also offered to make available to hospitals the same number of junior doctors as are currently rostered on weekends.

Junior Doctors are taking the industrial action in protest against the excessive hours they're forced to work - which are in breach of an EU Directive of a 48 hour working week.

But the Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the Health Minister is making every effort to reduce their working hours: