John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will add my voice to the concerns expressed by nurses and midwives about the recent increase in registration fees, representing an 88% increase in the retention fee in just one year. Among my colleagues, there is a distinct feeling that there is no justification for this increase and none has been proposed by the Irish Nursing Board. I raised this issue in the Chamber with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, last week and with the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, the previous week. The responses I received were less than satisfactory. Will the Leader ensure that the Irish Nursing Board addresses the concerns of the 89,000 nurses and midwives on the active register and fully engage with them? I do not see why such an increase is required. Perhaps there is a justification. If so, the board should enter into proper and effective negotiations with the nurses' and midwives' representatives to explain it. When I raised the matter with the Minister of State and Minister, it was drawn to my attention that every registration board must be responsible for its own finances, but that is hardly a sufficient reason to expect nurses and midwives to pay an increase of 88% in one year. It is not on. Will the Leader bring this matter to the Minister's attention in order that he might engage with nurses and midwives immediately? I commend the nurses and midwives on their effective, peaceful and orderly protest in Blackrock this morning. My colleague, Senator Wilson, referred to it.

I also commend Senator Zappone on the dignified, fiercely independent and determined stance she has taken in her work in the Tallaght area and regarding the protests. It is important that the House acknowledge her work.