Commenting on the restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland and the formation of an Executive this afternoon, Pat Cullen, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, said:
“The return of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive is to be greatly welcomed.
“Four years after pay parity was first restored to nursing staff in Northern Ireland, the Executive must now take urgent action to restore parity once more. The past two years of political inaction has forced many to question their future in our profession, adding to chronic nursing shortages across all sectors.
“This has been a frustrating period for nursing staff and patients alike and while today’s breakthrough follows an unnecessary repeat of history, it is now time for politicians to demonstrate their support for nursing and health care.
"We look forward to working closely with the new Executive and Health Minister to influence on behalf of our members and prevent strike action being necessary to get their voices heard.”
Ends
