16 April 2004, Dublin, Ireland – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today visited two major hospitals in Dublin to see for herself the working conditions of Filipino healthcare workers and came away from her visit carrying the praise and admiration of hospital officials and patients. The Secretary is in Ireland for the 6th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM-FMM).
 
“I have seen for myself the working conditions of our healthcare workers in Dublin. They work under excellent conditions and their relationships with hospital administration are outstanding. There is nothing but praise for our hardworking and dedicated healthcare workers here in Dublin,” the Secretary said after her visit. “I also took the opportunity to convey to the hospital administration not only our appreciation but also our own commitment to ensure the safety, welfare and rights of our workers,” she added.

The Secretary was warmly welcomed by the groups of Filipino nurses who met her at the hospitals. She told the Filipino nurses that “the DFA is there for you not just to issue your passports but also to ensure that when you travel and when you get to where you are going, we will be able to help you, that we will be able to protect your rights and address your problems.”

The Secretary also told the nurses that she was aware of their desire for the Irish government to be more cooperative in ensuring their extended stay in Ireland. She told the nurses that she will be raising this matter with high Irish officials. The Secretary will meet with Irish President Mary McAleese, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, and Deputy Prime Minister Mary Harney on Monday (19 April).

“The influx of migrant workers to Ireland is relatively new. We have much experience in labor migration and we will be most willing to share our knowledge and experience with Ireland with a view to helping them be more responsive to the needs of our workers. We know first hand the challenges that face migrant workers,” she told the gathered nurses. “Adjustment and understanding are necessary from both sides. I believe that because of our common experience and shared values, both sides will eventually work out all problems,” she emphasized.

She told the gathered Filipinos that they are in a truly unique situation as they are just at the beginning of what could be a historic and lasting formation of a Filipino Community in Ireland. “Studies on Philippine migration have been mostly made years or decades after it had began. You are in a unique position to start your study early and to enshrine for future generations the many challenges that you had overcome,” Secretary Albert said.

During the meetings, she was touched by the sincere admiration that hospital administrators and patients showed for Filipino nurses. “Our nurses are not only allowed to have their families join them in Ireland, but have good opportunities for job advancement. Our nurses’ caring attitude and professionalism have endeared them to the Irish people”.

“Filipino nurses give excellent care and service to all, from the common man to family members of Ireland’s highest leaders,” remarked Bridget Hayes, Director of Nursing of the St. Mary’s Hospital, which is located beside the official residence of the Irish President at Phoenix Park in Dublin.  Ms. Hayes added that “It is a great honor for us for the Secretary to visit our hospital, the first Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs to do so.”

“Our hospital cannot function without the Filipino nurses. We value their immense contribution to the Irish health care system and society,” Una Marren, Director of Nursing of Mater Misericordiae Hospital stated. After the meetings, Secretary Albert took a short tour of the wards and saw the Filipino nurses at work. The nurses were thrilled at the surprise visit of the Secretary at their work stations. END.