The Irish Medical Organisation has sought the intervention of the National Implementation Body in an effort to resolve the dispute over consultants' insurance cover and to avoid any form of industrial action.
In a statement this evening, the IMO called on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) to seek "an urgent convening of the National Implementation Body, in accordance with the provisions contained within Sustaining Progress to investigate the basis of finding a resolution".
It also sought an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health and said it was waiting for a response.
The IMO's director of industrial relations, Mr Fintan Hourihan said: "The terms of Sustaining Progress relating to the public service contains specific provisions relating to the maintenance of a stable industrial relations climate. These provisions require that, at the very least, third party assistance should be sought before any changes are imposed without the agreement of the staff concerned."
Mr Hourihan said the Minister for Health had unilaterally introduced the clinical indemnity scheme yesterday in spite of a 96 per cent rejection by IMO consultants in a ballot.
"The National Implementation Body is there to investigate breaches of Sustaining Progress and that is why we have requested their urgent intervention," said Mr Hourihan.
He urged the minister to withdraw the scheme until further meetings have taken place between his Department and the Medical Defence Union, one of two British bodies which hitherto insured consultants. The major area of concern is that consultants' historic liabilities are not insured under the new indemnity scheme.
The IMO today joined the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) in ceasing participation in voluntary non-contractual duties, such as involvement with administrative tasks.
The IMO will ballot members on further strike action in relation to their medical duties between next Monday and Wednesday. IHCA consultants have indicated they will take strike action in three weeks.
"The immediate focus must be on a resolution to this dispute to ensure that patient care is not compromised," Mr Hourihan said.