SIPTU is to stage protests at three main hospitals in Galway, Limerick and Dublin today over what it says has been a major insult by the Government.

It's 5,000 members in the health sector were promised one thousand euro as a special Covid 19 recognition payment on behalf of the State, however the money hasn't been paid.

The protests will take place outside the Nurses' Home at Galway University Hospital at 215 this afternoon and at the Beaumont Hospital Dublin and University Hospital at 11am.

SIPTU regional organiser in Galway, Mary Mullins, says "Doctor Leo Varadkar" is showing no respect whatsoever for his colleagues in the medical profession.