The Executive Council of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is recommending that its members accept new proposals aimed at tackling understaffing and poor pay.

Earlier this week, a three-day strike was suspended by the INMO, following a Labour Court recommendation, which includes the creation of a new enhanced nurse practice grade. This would be at a higher pay scale than the existing scale, by an average of €2,000-€2,500. Nurses would be eligible to apply for this grade after four years of service.

According to the INMO, the Labour Court proposals involve the negotiation of a new contract, which will take place over the next three weeks. Members will then be balloted between March 11-25.

Regional and workplace-based information sessions will be organised over the coming weeks to ensure that members fully understand the proposals before voting.

According to INMO general secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, the proposals ‘make important strides for safe staffing, pay parity and achieving respect for our professions'.

"There have been many untrue rumours and much inaccurate speculation online about this deal. We took the time to present the deal to hundreds of members and were glad to note a positive reception.

"We would encourage all INMO members to inform themselves of the facts from our website and attend information sessions over the coming weeks," she said.