Schools in Ireland may be forced to close their doors in the coming weeks as a result of industrial action by public service unions.

The Irish Times suggested that day-long or half-day-long shutdowns could be a possibility following the announcement by the chairman of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that further measures are to be taken that will involve the withdrawal of labour.

Peter McLoone indicated that the action will vary depending on the sectors and unions involved, but in the health industry it is thought that workers will strike for two hours at a time at different intervals across the country.

The news followed last week's revelation that the Civil Public and Services Union had served the government with formal strike action notice in response to budget cuts.

Responding to the announcement, the Irish Times said the development could have a particularly large impact on the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Written by Donal Walsh

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