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NEWSFLASH NO. 21

19 January 2015

CAMPAIGN OF OPPOSITION TO NMBI FEE INCREASE

Minister calls for NMBI to enter discussions with unions on retention fee dispute

Dear Colleague

We refer again to the on-going campaign of opposition to the attempt, by NMBI, to increase its annual retention fee by 50%.

We now wish to advise you of the following developments;

1. On last Wednesday, 14 th January, the Minister for Health, Mr Leo Varadkar TD, wrote to the President of the NMBI, Mr Paul Gallagher, calling for the Board to recommence discussions, with our three unions, with a view to resolving the current matter. Specifically the Minister said the following;

“I also request that the Board re-engage in discussions with staff associations, as a matter of urgency, with a view to arriving at an outcome which secures the Board's minimum financial operating requirements but avoids a scenario where nurses and midwives are removed from the Register for non-payment of fees with potential consequences for service availability and continuity of care.”

2. We are further advised that the letter was considered, by the Board of NMBI at a special meeting last Thursday 15 th January, and that the Board agreed to act on the Minister's call.

3. In that context it can be expected that a renewed set of discussions, on this issue of the retention fee, will commence in the coming days and we will keep you appraised of all developments.

4. This initiative, while welcome, comes about as a direct consequence of the strength and solidarity of the campaign, to date, and the fact that tens of thousands of nurses/midwives are refusing to pay the increase. We collectively thank you for your support and solidarity.

5. As we await the commencement of any renewed discussions we renew our call, upon all members, to remain solid, with the campaign, and to pay €100, when personal circumstances allows, to the Board via cheque/postal order/credit transfer.

Please remember to quote your pin in all communication with the NMBI.

Despite the numerous threatening comments, of NMBI in recent months, nurses and midwives, in this campaign, have shown unity, and strength of purpose, by rejecting the Board's call for a 50% increase.

We trust that these discussions will lead to positive developments, on this issue, as we continue to seek a regulator that ensures public safety by allowing nurses and midwives to practice in a safe and properly staffed clinical environment.

CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

PAY €100

AWAIT FURTHER UPDATES