As consistently outlined by the INMO, there is a critical recruitment and retention problem within the Irish health system. Since 2007, the shortage of nurses and midwives has been exacerbated by moratoriums on recruitment and cost-saving measures imposed to reduce the workforce.

It is essential that nurses and midwives are now made exempt from the HSE's baseless recruitment freeze.

INMO members are currently being asked to ballot for industrial action in response to the delays and non-filling of nursing and midwifery posts has commenced.

The INMO is organising workplace and regional meetings to give you all the information you need before you vote.

Here you will find some sample questions and answers to help nurse/midwife representatives during the balloting period- it also sets out how nurses /midwives who want to join can do so and why it is important now.

If you have more questions, then please attend the regional and workplace meetings that are being organised now, or contact your local official.