"There was a robust exchange of views but the meeting adjourned without any plans for further talks, " said Liam Doran of the Irish Nurses' Organisation, who attended Friday's talks along with representatives of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association.

The talks, arranged by health minister Mary Harney, were seen as a last effort to avert industrial chaos in the health service in the runup to the general election.

The unions are now pressing ahead with their ballot for action, the result of which will be known on 2 February.

They have promised the HSE three weeks' notice of action, meaning any action would begin in the last week of February.

The unions are seeking a 10.6% pay increase, a reduction in the working week from 39 to 35 hours and a special Dublin weighting allowance. The Labour Court has already rejected the claims, which the HSE said would cost over Euro650 million.