Sir, - As a current recipient of specialist care from the home care team at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, I feel compelled to urge the Government to retreat from its entrenched position and realise the untold hardship that its hardline stance is causing.
Why is it necessary to fall back on useless rhetoric that shows no recognition of the nurses' claims for adequate recompense for a 24-hour, year-round service? Despite their recent award nurses are paid less than comparable health care professionals. They work a longer week, with lower annual leave than their fellow professionals.
None of us knows the day nor the hour when we may need their nursing expertise. I pray even at this late hour that the Government will redeem the lamentable situation now upon us. - Yours, etc.,
Felix Cronin, Cypress Road, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.