INMO/PNA Meet Cross Party Backbench TDs. 23.01.13
Press Release
- Boycott of graduate programme continues
- Matter to be raised in the Dail
- Matter to be raised in the Dail
A delegation from the INMO/PNA held two meetings, this morning, with TDs and Senators, in Leinster House, as the latest stage in the campaign of opposition to the low paid nurse/midwife graduate programme.
The first meeting was with Labour Party Backbench TDs and the second meeting, convened by Patrick Nulty, T.D., involved discussions with cross party TDs from Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and Independents.
At both meetings, which were addressed by new graduate nurses and midwives, the following points were stressed:
- the boycott remains in place and will continue until this flawed programme is withdrawn;
- the INMO and PNA remain willing to engage with the HSE/Department of Health with a view to minimising agency costs with initiatives which could save over €20 million but the HSE and the Department refuse to engage;
- the matter has been raised, in the Croke Park extension talks, and will have to be positively addressed as part of any final agreement; and
- the Minister’s and management’s failure to address the question of what will happen to the displaced agency nurses/midwives, as part of this programme, is insulting to these excellent professionals.
The TDs and Senators, from all parties, raised many questions, as part of the discussion, with particular focus upon alternative cost saving measures, the question of equal pay for equal work, and whether the low paid programmes would be extended to other professions.
The public representatives also asked for further information, arising from the proposed programme, and the INMO committed itself to provide same almost immediately.
The Backbench TDs, from outside the government parties, unanimously expressed their support, for the campaign, and undertook to continue to raise it in the Dail and Seanad. Government TDs sought further information and committed themselves to remain in contact as they supported efforts to address the issue.
Speaking afterwards Liam Doran INMO General Secretary said:
“Today’s meetings were just the latest steps in our continuing campaign of opposition to this attack upon the pay of nurses and midwives.
We will now redouble our contacts, with the public representatives, to ensure that they are aware of all of the facts, in relation to the shortcomings of the programme, and not just the spin that is emanating from the Department and HSE”.
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