Nurses’ union stands firm in row over 50% registration fee hike
The nursing regulator has been involved in a war of words with the nursing union over its plan to impose a 50% fee increase.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), however, said it had to be self-funding, which meant the planned registration fee, due on January 1, must be €150.
“For unions to advise otherwise to registrants is misleading,” it warned.
The NMBI also argued that the badges unions would be circulating to members relating to a €100 payment had no legal standing as an indicator of current active registration.
It said the payment of €150 was required for nurses to attain a valid 2015 certificate from the board and to ensure statutory obligations had been met.
Yesterday, the INMO reaffirmed its advice to members to pay €100 as a retention fee payment for 2015.
It stated no nurse or midwife had to pay the retention fee by January 1.
The INMO has claimed the board had confirmed it would issue a second renewal notice on February 2, allowing a further 28 days for payment before the issue was taken up at a board meeting in March or April.
The INMO has pointed out the HSE had confirmed by circular that April 30 next was the date by which it required confirmation of registration.
It is advising members to pay €100 after January 5 and to keep a record of the payment.
The INMO said the issue remained under discussion with the Department of Health, the unions, and the regulator under the Haddington Road Agreement, although this claim was disputed by the NMBI.
INMO general secretary Liam Doran said no regulator could expect to increase fees by 50% at a time when nurses’ income had been cut by over 20% and inflation was less than 1%.
“The continuing efforts of NMBI to intimidate nurses and midwives are most regrettable and further illustrate the divide between the regulator and those it regulates,” said Mr Doran.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
