An estimated 300 nurses attended a meeting last night in Galway organised by their union, SIPTU, to discuss the Labour Court recommendations which brought an end to the pickets last Thursday.
While nurses in the city were aggrieved at ending the picketing prior to being told what was on offer, the mood was said to be positive and upbeat prior to the meeting at the Great Southern Hotel.
"A lot of people are still angry that the pickets were brought to an end in that manner, but we are prepared to study what is on offer," said one nurse.
Mr Colm Keaveney, an industrial officer with SIPTU, admitted that many nurses in the west were angry when the pickets were called off. However, he saw last night's meeting as a proper forum to inform them about the entire package, while at the same time giving officials a chance to hear the views of the members.
"The picket and this package are two different things and a return to the picket line is still possible," said Mr Keaveney.
"I am confident that people will be able to make a fully informed decision about this package after the meeting. We want this package to be accepted by our members and we also want to listen to the views of our own members."
He accepted that many members were upset at ending the picketing before the package was explained to them in detail last week, but he felt confident they would see the benefits in the recommendations for their careers over the next five to 10 years. Nurses are due to vote on the recommendations on Friday.