Union delegates pass overwhelming motion of no confidence in Area Director of Nursing
PNA warns of "Unsafe Practices" and a danger of return to historical governance failures highlighted in 2017 Roscommon Report
Tuesday 11th August 2026: The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has commenced a ballot for industrial action—up to and including strike action—across Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services (MHS), following an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion of no confidence in the Area Director of Nursing.
The ballot, which covers nursing staff across Galway and Roscommon and Mental Health Intellectual Disability (MHID) Services, comes after more than two years of industrial relations non-engagement by local HSE management.
Speaking today, PNA Industrial Relations Officer Niall O’Sullivan said:
"Our members across Galway and Roscommon have reached a tipping point. For over two years, local management has shown absolute contempt for agreed industrial relations structures, ignored Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) determinations, and bypassed national HSE policies. The overwhelming vote of no confidence reflects a complete breakdown of trust in local nursing leadership."
The PNA highlighted several critical grievances driving the dispute including concerns regarding proposals impacting clinical practice that the PNA say are a “breach of established Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) standards”. Other concerns include unilateral staffing and service alterations, breaches in the terms and conditions of employment for employees, staffing concerns and an ongoing recruitment freeze within the area.
Mr O’Sullivan stated that there is concern among PNA members that there is a return to the unacceptable management behaviours previously identified in the 2017 Roscommon Report.
He added: "Management is unilaterally attempting to alter clinical practices and staffing structures without consultation, while actively ignoring grievance outcomes and statutory determinations. This is not just an employment dispute—it is a patient safety issue. We cannot stand by and allow the erosion of professional nursing standards or working conditions."
The industrial action ballot commenced on Tuesday, 4th August and will run until Tuesday, 25th August 2026. Results will be announced immediately upon the conclusion of counting.
Media Contact: Derek Cunningham 086-2430535
