Photograph: Nick BradshawA group of 69 newly qualified paramedics have been told they will be offered permanent contracts by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in May without the need to interview for the positions. After a meeting on Tuesday between management and the two unions involved, Siptu and Unite, NAS director Robert Morton wrote to those affected on Wednesday. Offers to the newly qualified paramedics will be made in the week of May 11th. The newly qualified paramedics have been given further short-term contracts to take them up to that time. Siptu and Unite said a ballot for industrial action linked to wider pay and grading issues among NAS staff would continue.

Source: The Irish Times March 12, 2026 15:51 UTC