The prospect of further industrial unrest in the health sector was signalled last night at SIPTU's national nursing convention in Dublin.
The union's national nursing official, Mr Oliver McDonagh, said he saw no possibility of industrial peace in the health services in the near future as several issues remained unresolved, included the nurses' claim for a 35-hour working week.
"Employers have also been trying to take away legitimate expenses from nurses in their rush to save a few euro," he said.
"Nurses now find themselves continuously under pressure, trying to deliver professional care to patients with inadequate facilities.
"SIPTU must be a loud voice on this issue. We have an obligation to our members to campaign through whatever means necessary for a modern and civilised health service," he added.
He described as shameful the fact that the country had emerged from a period of sustained economic growth only to end up with none of the long-term benefits of a modern and vibrant health service.
"Not only should trade unions be prepared to take industrial action to ensure that the gains we made are not reversed, but we should also be prepared to fight for continuous improvements and, if necessary, develop our own modernisation agenda," he said.
Mr McDonagh was critical of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats.
"The electorate in this country was fooled and lied to by a Government that made the health services an election issue - full of promises, which were totally reneged on.
"As we enter a new millennium, hopes of a decent health service are dashed once again with news of longer waiting lists and bed or ward closures"
He also referred to the conditions endured by people suffering from mental illness in the Republic.
"I have recently visited some of these facilities. In one particular unit in Limerick I saw appalling conditions for both staff and patients. We had to barter with management for a coat of paint, decent floor covering, proper toilet facilities and reasonable canteen and office facilities," he said.
SIPTU represents 10,000 staff in the health service.