Tomorrow’s nurses’ strike has been suspended while the INMO considers the Labour Court’s recommendations.

General Secretary of the INMO, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, made the announcement within the past hour.

“The important piece is that our members will this evening be aware that the Labour Court has taken arguments that have been made on their behalf on board and that the executive council have now suspended the industrial action that is scheduled to take place from tomorrow,” she said.

In a statement, the INMO said the Labour Court recommendation will be put to a ballot in the coming days.

“The INMO’s elected Executive Council have just received the recommendation by the Labour Court. They have suspended the upcoming strikes at the request of the Court to consider the wide-ranging recommendations.

“Members will receive more information on the proposals in the coming days and the recommendation will be put to a ballot.

“In the meantime, we’d ask you to stay united and support your colleagues.

“The only reliable source of information on these proposals is the INMO, so please pay attention to official communications.”

Health Minister Simon Harris described the development as “welcome news for patients all over the country.”

He said it has been “a difficult few weeks” for nurses and midwives “who did not make the decision to strike lightly”.

“I look forward to health service resuming as normal,” he added.

40,000 nurses and midwives were due to stage three days of industrial action in their dispute over pay and working conditions.

It is not clear if the issue of pay has been addressed by the Labour Court.