Dickson calls for continuation of Freedom of Movement for the sake of the Health Service

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, at a Stormont debate on nursing shortages, called for the continuation of freedom of movement.

Mr Dickson after the debate stated: “We have a serious shortage of nurses and midwives in Northern Ireland. While those currently working are doing an excellent job, the process is broken.”

“We need the support of nurses from the EU, and further afield, to keep our Health Service operational. Without the support of nurses from abroad, a difficult situation for the HSC, could become an impossible situation.

“I want to call on the Executive to perform better, and more cohesively, in representing Northern Ireland in any Brexit negotiation. Be that in London, Brussels, or Dublin. They must accept that inaction will have very real consequences for the people of Northern Ireland.

“Without freedom of movement, it will be much harder to attain the nursing expertise needed for the Health Service.”

The Motion on the Ongoing Problem of Nursing Shortages in Northern Ireland was agreed in a vote in the Chamber on Monday evening.