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Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will hold lunchtime protests at hospitals across the country over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

Union leaders have said a letter from Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers urging them to call off Wednesday's planned public sector strike "does not represent any change in his previously stated position".

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has reiterated his opinion that upcoming public service strike action is unnecessary.

Fórsa has said public service workers feel they have "no choice" but to strike on Wednesday, adding there could be further action throughout winter if no pay deal is reached.

On the surface, the public finances look healthy with unemployment low and the economy purring along nicely, but the alarming truth about the Budget is buried in the detail, writes David Murphy.