The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, has warned unions against taking industrial action in the State's hospitals saying there are "no quick fixes" to the problems in the health sector.
Mr Martin was speaking at SIPTU's National Nursing Convention in Dublin this morning. He was responding to last night's warning by the union that it would be willing to strike to combat health cuts.
"The threat or commencement of industrial action has a destabilising effect on the industrial relations procedures, distracts the attention of both management and unions in the quest for solutions, and causes great anxiety among the users of the health service and the general public," Mr Martin said.
"There are no quick fixes" he added.
Mr Martin also referred to the National Patient Perception survey published last March. "Overall, 86 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with A&E services," the Minister said quoting the survey.
SIPTU's National Nursing Official Mr Oliver McDonagh last night told the convention that "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."
"It is shameful to think that we have emerged from a period of sustained economic growth to end up with none of the long-term benefits of a modern and vibrant health service," he said.
"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.
"The two-tier health approach must be removed from the health services once and for all. It is shameful to live in a country where you can avail of a top-class service if you have money to pay for it, but if you have no money, your name will be added to a preliminary list that will eventually get you a place on the official waiting list," he added.
The convention was also told last night that the crisis in hospital accident and emergency departments is continuing.
Ms Mary Durkin, president of SIPTU Nursing, told delegates that although contingency plans have been put in place there has been little improvement.
She called the Government's Health Strategy "nothing more than an aspiration" and said "the health service is over-administered".
Ms Durkin also criticised the lack of accountability among the health boards, saying "a senior administrator has never been dismissed for serious errors yet nurses and doctors are often struck off for minor misdemeanours".
