Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the lifting of the travel ban on Tori Towey. I recognise the fact that Sinn Féin raised the issue but I thank the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their work in helping to ensure her release.

The issue I wish to raise today, along with my colleague, Michael Fitzmaurice, is the fact that the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery recommended to extend the revised clinical nurse manager and clinical nurse specialist salary scale. This salary scale applies to those and other linked grades. While the majority of those grades have been paid, some have not been paid, and clinical nurse specialists and clinical placement co-ordinators have not received their salary increase. According to the INMO, a differentiation on salary scales has now been introduced, and this is unacceptable. One of the huge challenges we face is to recruit and retain nursing staff, and the expert review body recognises that the development of clinical nurse specialists is particularly important for Sláintecare. I ask the Taoiseach to speak to the Minister and avoid any disruption.

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