Nurses and midwives union urges ‘robust’ policing response over racial attacks

The trade union representing nurses and midwives has called for a “robust” policing response to racially motivated abuse, as it condemned recent attacks on members of the Indian community.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said racially motivated abuse of workers should not be tolerated.

In 2024, more than 35,429 nurses and midwives registered with the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) were educated outside of Ireland.

Indian citizens have been warned that they face an increased risk of being attacked in Ireland following a number of violent incidents.

India’s embassy in Dublin issued an advisory urging them to avoid isolated areas at particular times and to take reasonable precautions for their personal security.

INMO deputy general secretary Edward Mathews said Ireland should not be a place where nurses and midwives are afraid to work.

“Nearly 35,500 nurses and midwives have come here to work from other parts of the world and provide essential services,” he said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”