The Minister for Health has appealed to junior doctors to return to negotiations aimed at averting industrial action.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has refused an invitation back to the talks table at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) as the row over working hours escalates.

The doctors have served strike notice for next Tuesday which will hit patient services such as surgeries and clinics.

The IMO has told the LRC that no further engagement can take place until the issues are addressed.

It says October 8th should be "used to send a strong message to the health service management".

Minister James Reilly says he understands the doctors concerns over working hours. But he has urged them to go back to the LRC.

He says the action planned for next Tuesday will do no one any good and that the IMO plan to hit surgeries and clinics hurts patients, not management.