Public sector unions in the Republic have confirmed that they will hold a second strike on December 3 unless agreement is reached in negotiations with the government.

The announcement followed yesterday's nationwide strike that severely disrupted public sector services.

IMPACT general secretary Peter McLoone said he believed it was possible to agree an alternative that would achieve the savings the government requires in 2010.

Finance minister Brian Lenihan has called on public service unions to return to talks. Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he was disappointed there was a strike.

Mr Cowen said the government's objective was to reach agreement but it had to face its responsibilities in terms of restoring balance to the public finances.

Thousands of workers picketed around the Republic, schools were closed and there was widespread disruption to many services although public transport was running as normal.

From prison officers to nurses, from local authority workers to civil servants — the public service shut down for a day.

However, a number of unions deferred strike action in areas hit by the recent floods.

Emergency cover was in place in essential health services though strike exemptions were granted to key areas including palliative and intensive care.

Meanwhile, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, which are forbidden by law to strike, issued a message of support for the unions and said it had instructed members not to make themselves available for overtime.