Mayo councillors unanimously call on Taoiseach to intervene in nurses dispute

MEMBERS of Mayo County Council have unanimously backed a motion calling on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to intervene immediately in the nurses dispute.

Proposing the motion, Independent Councillor Seamus Weir said it is totally unacceptable that members of a profession on which everybody depends should be forced onto the picket line.

Seconding the motion, Independent Councillor Frank Durcan said nurses are the most abused employees in the State and are "being bullied by Health Minister Simon Harris."

In total, 19 councillors, including cathaoirleach Councillor Blackie Gavin, contributed to the lengthy debate on the motion.

All the speakers were fully in support of the nurses' actions.

Three prominent Mayo members of the INMO listened to the debate in the public gallery.

They were Donna Hyland, a member of the INMO executive committee, and strike committee members Margo Lydon and Mary Noone.

Following the discussion, Ms. Hyland welcomed the stance by the council and thanked the proposer and seconder.

Meanwhile, three consecutive days of strike action planned from tomorrow have suspended following Labour Court talks.

Health Minister Simon Harris has welcomed the news.