Mr. Albert Murphy:

From the INMO perspective we have raised the assaults recently with the HSE. We have also raised the issue the Cathaoirleach referred to regarding racial abuse. The message would be that the Irish health system could not function without our overseas colleagues and it is the one shining light in the Irish health system that we have managed to attract overseas staff. Unfortunately, some members are contacting us to say they experience racial abuse on their way to work, and also in the workplace. We asked the HSE to examine that issue and to set up an integration office, which was there previously, that welcomed and supported overseas nurses to integrate into the community and into the workplace. Unfortunately there is anecdotal evidence that outside of the hospitals, staff on their way into work are being subject to racial abuse. That is emerging and it is one thing we need to get on top of fairly quickly.