The newly-elected IHCA president, David O'Keeffe, said it anticipated that Thursday's meeting would address the breakdown in contract negotiations which occurred last April and explore the issues involved in re-establishing these negotiations.

"I am extremely anxious to create a constructive atmosphere as a prelude to our meeting with minister Harney. It is to the advantage of all parties to devise a formula which will allow an early return to negotiations and a speedy conclusion to this process, " he said.

Consultants disagreed with Harney's decision to advertise new consultant posts without an agreed contract.

A minor form of industrial action had been in place since May with members of the IHCA refusing to participate in hospital and national committees and also boycotting some administrative duties.

Last month, Harney said the recruitment process would continue in spite of industrial action while senior doctors boycotted meetings with health-service officials.

The IHCA said its campaign has not affected patient care, with consultants meeting their normal clinical commitments.

However, the HSE said the withdrawal from day-to-day management of hospitals and cooperation with the management could potentially affect patient services.