Sir, – I am not a nurse, but I have been the grateful beneficiary of their care and professionalism in the past. With the new €22,000 salary for nursing recruits, it appears these highly qualified professionals are being asked to work for less than an unskilled labourer’s pay.
In addition now, our existing nurses, are to have the premium for disruptive and unsociable hours taken away (Home News, February 18th).
When benchmarking was being undertaken the nurses were the last to be considered and received little. Now that times are hard, it seems they are to be first on the receiving end of cuts.
Once again the greedy gain most and the generous get taken for granted in Ireland. Shame on our unions and on our Government. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – The media is full of reports about the cutbacks being negotiated between the Government and the unions. The excesses (benchmarking, allowances, etc ) allowed by the previous government have been correctly targeted by the troika.
In order to move forward, the current ministers and senior civil servants should publish the cutbacks they plan to impose on themselves – and not as percentages, but in real cash terms.These figures should then be compared with the total reward packages paid in similar-sized EU countries.
Then the Government can negotiate in an equitable manner in seeking to adjust the salaries and working hours of unionised workers also to acceptable EU norms.
This is a time for leadership, and the Cabinet and trade union leaders must set an example,– it’s not rocket science. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – It is galling to listen to the constant moaning and groaning from members of An Garda Síochána and their representatives about changes in pay and conditions.The gardaí are in very safe, select permanent pensionable employment, with great benefits and conditions.
They can retire at age 55, with full pension at 30 years service. They have allowances to beat the band. They never have to worry about redundancies, short time working, sick leave, or pay.
Surely it’s the duty of An Garda Síochána to serve the state and citizens, without the constant moaning about minor irritations.
Every section of this country has been affected by the austerity inflicted on us. The Army, judiciary, nurses, carers, lone parents, widowed, pensioners and so many more. All have been severely hurt, and many have no other income except State assistance. Yet we have the Garda continually seeking special exemption for themselves as a special case.
The gardaí ought to realise that in these very challenging times they are in a very comfortable position. It doesn’t do their image any good to be constantly playing the poor-mouth victim. – Yours, etc,