Mayo Oireachtas member to speak to Harris on ambulance staff concerns

A MAYO Oireachtas member is to make direct contact with Health Minister Simon Harris to highlight concerns raised with her by ambulance personnel in the county.

Senator Michelle Mulherin met with workers on the picket line at Ballina District Hospital.

After the meeting the Fine Gael representative agreed to speak to Minister Harris on the matter and outline the workers' case, which she supports.

The ambulance staff members this morning began their fourth day of industrial action in their efforts to secure HSE and departmental recognition for their trade union, NASRA.

They escalated their strike action yesterday after two previous days of action failed to get a positive response from the health service authorities.

Pickets will remain in place at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar and Ballina District Hospital until 5 p.m.

However workers have given a commitment that they will respond to all emergencies despite being on strike.