Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Demands Government Action on Cost-of-Living Crisis

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has approved an emergency motion addressing the significant cost-of-living pressures faced by its members. During the union's annual conference in Dundalk, delegates highlighted that nurses and midwives lack the flexibility of remote work and cannot absorb increased personal expenses.

A particular concern raised was the necessity for many healthcare professionals, especially public health nurses, to use their personal vehicles for essential care delivery, incurring rising fuel and operational costs. The motion urges the Government to implement additional financial measures for nurses and midwives, specifically targeting the ongoing fuel crisis. Furthermore, members are grappling with substantial challenges related to rent and accommodation expenses.

The INMO, which represents approximately 50,000 nurses and midwives, stated that should there be any delay in implementing these cost-of-living measures, the organization would consider all available options, including industrial action. The union also called for the immediate and full implementation of the local bargaining clause stipulated in the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill addressed the conference delegates, noting that the Health Service Executive (HSE) must demonstrate effective budget management, particularly as a shift towards multi-annual budgets is under consideration. She emphasized that overspending on agency staff indicates a failure to fill vacant positions. The Minister also mentioned that the HSE has undergone a reset in recent years, with 93,000 nurses and midwives currently registered to work within the health system.