Brian Cowen, Urged nurses to accept Social Partnership
Both sides in the nurses pay dispute have signalled that they may hold talks in an effort to avert a nationwide strike on Tuesday. Speaking on RTÉ Radio, The Minister for Health, Brian Cowen, hinted that he would be conditionally prepared to meet nursing unions, before Tuesday. Mr Cowen said that the acceptance by the Nursing Alliance of the principle of social partnership and existing agreements would open a "range of possibilities for them to pursue their agenda". He said that nurses had to abide by accepted industrial practices, adding that a strike was unnecessary, especially when there were other options available. Mr Cowen also said that he was satisfied that there would be adequate emergency cover; he said that he accepted the Nursing Alliance's assurances that patient care would not be compromised.
In a conciliatory statement issued this evening, the Nursing Alliance said that it recognised the Government's difficulties in addressing the pay issues for nursing grades. Liam Doran of the Irish Nurses Organisation said that the nursing unions would be open to any talks, provided those outstanding pay related issues were dealt with.
Strike committees and hospital managers are continuing to draft contingency plans to ensure a minimum level of emergency care in the event of the industrial action going ahead. It is expected that arrangements will be finalised tomorrow morning and announced in the afternoon.
