Almost two in three nurses and midwives have voted to accept proposals aimed at resolving their industrial dispute over pay and staff shortages.

Earlier this year, over 35,000 members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) held a number of 24-hour strikes, which had a major impact on health services.

The Labour Court subsequently made a number of proposals aimed at resolving the dispute, which INMO members recently voted on. These proposals included:
-A new higher salary scale for staff nurses and midwives
-Increased and expanded allowances
-Extra promotional opportunities
-Supports for professional development and education

Some 62% of INMO members voted in favour of the proposals, while 38% voted against them.

According to INMO general secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, nurses and midwives ‘fought hard for patient safety and staffing in a determined, controlled and collective manner'.

She thanked everyone involved with the strikes, as well as the public ‘who showed us such support during our strike days'.

"The Government have committed to full implementation of these proposals. We now seek an immediate meeting with them to ensure this happens without delay," she added.