Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

It is not often I agree with Senator Ryan. However, on this occasion I agree with his call for a debate in the House on the issues facing nurses. Two weeks ago, I met representatives of the INO and the Psychiatric Nurses Association, PNA. Last Friday, at their invitation I met approximately 100 nurses in groups and individually at Sligo General Hospital.

We face a serious problem as nurses feel ignored, demoralised and neglected. Two issues are raised, pay and the number of hours worked. The problem with hours should have been dealt with through benchmarking but has not. It is important to debate this matter. One nurse I met has small children and works a four-day week.