Other option’ but strike

agreement.

‘It pains me to say it, but in the context of this and a range of other disputes, the Government has shown a tin ear in its approach to industrial relations. This issue can be fixed if the political will is there, but I do not detect that will.’

Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams said, ‘ This strike is the responsibility of this government and previous governments which have failed to properly address the ongoing crisis in the health service of recruitment and retention of health staff.

Our nurses are the backbone of the health service. They work long hours, in often very difficult conditions. Their salary does not reflect their role and work load and professional training.

The onus is on the government to break the current logjam. Empty words of sympathy and calls for nurses to return to the negotiating table from government Ministers are meaningless. The responsibility for managing public services rests with government. They need to engage positively to ensure that this strike is brought to an early and speedy conclusion.’