INMO says alarms bells should be raised over racist attacks

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said that racially motivated abuse of workers should not be tolerated.

In 2024, Over 35,429 nurses and midwives registered with the NMBI  were educated outside of Ireland.

INMO Deputy General Secretary Edward Mathews said that “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.”

Matthews said “recent horrific attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland should be condemned. 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.”

“Providing more robust protections would go a long way to making internationally educated nurses and midwives feel safe. Everyone should have the right to work in an environment free from abuse or harassment of any kind, and to feel safe in their community.

“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.”