Speaking after meeting today with representatives from the Royal College of Nursing, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill said there should be no more delays in forming an Executive and delivering fair pay rises for nurses and public sector workers.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“I’ve just met with the Royal College of Nursing to listen first-hand to the very difficult challenges facing workers on our wards and in the community. 

“It is disgraceful that our public sector workers, including nurses, are still being denied a fair pay deal [as a result of the DUP’s continued damaging blockade of the Executive] and are being forced to take further industrial action.  

“These workers deserve all parties around an Executive table today, working together to deliver a fair pay deal and to invest in the health service to hire more doctors and nurses to tackle growing waiting lists.

“It is now decision time for the DUP. 

“The only decision they should take is to end their blockade of the Executive and Assembly now.

“In the absence of an Executive, the British Secretary of State should move immediately to implement fair pay rises for all health and social care staff and public service workers. This should happen without delay.

“As First Minister Designate, I will continue to work tirelessly to have an Executive up and running so we can get on with investing in the health service, and delivering a fair pay deal for workers.”