Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been accused of disrespecting nurses and patients by issuing “cynical” press releases instead of directly engaging with unions. Calling on Mr Varadkar to replace spin with substance, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin slammed the “pathetic” approach taken and absence of “substantive and meaningful engagement” on the Government side. Mr Varadkar said the statement is a “sincere offer”. Mr Varadkar said the dispute will have to be resolved “under certain parameters”. Ministers discussed the nurses dispute at Cabinet yesterday with both Mr Harris and Mr O’Donohoe updating their colleagues.

Source: Irish Examiner February 06, 2019 05:26 UTC