NMBI President Essene Cassidy, Board member Áine Lynch and Director of Registration Ray Healy were among special guests of President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on St Patrick’s Day.

President Higgins took the opportunity at the first reception since the pandemic to pay tribute to nurses and midwives for their work over the past two years.

“This year we are delighted to welcome representatives of a profession whose work and contribution throughout the Coronavirus pandemic has been extraordinary,” President Higgins told the gathering.

“The past two years have highlighted the remarkable and vital impact that nurses, midwives, carers and indeed all those who work in the healthcare sector have on our society.

“In 2020, at the very outset of the pandemic, the first event in Áras an Uachtaráin to be cancelled was our St Patrick’s Day Reception intended to mark the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. It is a great if belated pleasure to now have the opportunity to honour that commitment, and to meet with you all here today.

“I am delighted that representatives from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland are among those in attendance at this event.”

Commenting after the event, NMBI President Essene Cassidy said: “We were honoured and privileged to be invited to the Áras to represent our registrants and we were delighted that President Higgins took the opportunity to thank all those who worked so hard during the pandemic.”