The people should be asked by way of a referendum if they felt the nurses' pay claim should be treated as a special case, Mr David Norris (Ind) proposed.
"Everyone thinks they should be treated better than they are. I have recent experience to suggest that they deserve it," Mr Norris said in a reference to his own hospitalisation in the last few weeks. There appeared to be a problem about the issue of relativity, he noted. One way around it would be to have a referendum. "Let the people of Ireland have something put before them that says that they feel the nurses are a special case and that they authorise the Government to make a particular deal."
Several senators called for an early debate on the stoppage, which was described by Mr Joe Costello (Lab) as the first of its kind in the history of the State. It was also unnecessary, he believed, because the Minister for Health had waited until the 11th hour before making any effort to bring about any meeting between the two sides. He said an insensitive and uncaring attitude had been demonstrated.
Mr Tom Hayes (FG) said reports he had received from around the State had painted a picture of absolute chaos in hospital wards. He feared that the situation would deteriorate further.
Ms Ann Leonard (FF) said she wished to refute the claim that there was chaos in the wards. Coming from a nurse's perspective, she had no doubt the nurses were carrying out their care duties to the best of their abilities, added Ms Leonard, who is a qualified nurse.
Dr Mary Henry (Ind) recalled that the House had held a very useful debate on the issue last week. In view of the latest developments, it should be resumed at the earliest possible opportunity.
The leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, told members he would try to have time made available by tomorrow for a continuation of the debate.