In 1988, the Labour Court recommended conceding the unions’ claim for a 6% pay increase for about 5,700 psychiatric nurses. The recommendation was signed on 21 March 1988.
The Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Ireland and Federated Workers' Union of Ireland argued nurses’ pay should keep pace with public service increases. The Local Government Staff Negotiations Board opposed the claim, saying the unions had presented no new arguments. The Court recommended that the increase be implemented under clause 3.2 of the Agreement on Pay in the Public Service.