Nursing Union Condemns Racial Attacks on Healthcare Workers
Nursing union demands action after racial attacks on healthcare workers; 35,000+ foreign-trained nurses serve Ireland.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for zero tolerance of racially motivated abuse against healthcare workers, highlighting that over 35,000 nurses and midwives working in Ireland were educated abroad and deserve protection from harassment.
The INMO's intervention follows recent attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland, prompting concerns about the safety of international healthcare workers who provide essential services across Cork and the country. The organisation is demanding a robust policing response to what it describes as "disgraceful actions" targeting minority communities.
Edward Mathews, INMO Deputy General Secretary:
"Nearly 35,500 nurses and midwives have come here to work from other parts of the world and provide essential services. Just as importantly, they and their families are rooted in our communities. They should not be afraid to go to and from their workplaces or anywhere else in their communities because of the disgraceful actions of some."
According to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 35,429 nurses and midwives registered in 2024 were educated outside Ireland, representing a significant portion of the healthcare workforce serving communities across Cork's hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The union expressed particular concern about recent violent incidents, with Mathews condemning what he called "horrific attacks" on Indian community members. The situation has become serious enough that some consular services have issued travel advisories about personal security during unsocial hours, a development the INMO says should "raise alarm bells" for Irish society.
Mathews continued:
"There must be a robust policing response to racially motivated abuse and attacks. We do not want Ireland to be a place where nurses and midwives are afraid to work."
The INMO is calling for stronger protections to ensure internationally educated healthcare workers feel safe in their workplaces and communities. The organisation emphasised that all workers deserve an environment free from abuse or harassment, regardless of their origin.
Mathews added:
"In broader terms, as a society, it has never been more important to reject racism. Hateful rhetoric and violent attacks must not become the norm. It is unacceptable that consular services in Ireland feel the need to issue advisories about travel and personal security at unsocial hours. This should raise alarm bells, this is not the type of country we want to be."
The union's statement reflects growing concerns about the safety of international workers who form the backbone of Ireland's healthcare system, with many living and working in Cork's hospitals and medical centres. Their call for action comes as communities across the county rely heavily on the dedication of healthcare workers from diverse backgrounds.
