A top boss in the HSE has suggested offering nurses chocolate to encourage more of them to get vaccinated. A panel of experts and politicians have been discussing the low level of healthcare workers who get the flu jab.
The Oireachtas Health committee has heard the problem is predominately among nurses.
Dr Kevin Kelleher says international evidence suggests two successful methods including "incentives" like "giving them chocolates" which he claims "works really well".
Dr Kelleher also believes "draws for iPads and things like that as well, work really well".
Nurses say suggesting they can be bribed with a box of chocolates is demeaning to their profession.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's Liam Doran believes it's disrespectful "This is more of it coming from health management who simply have no idea, it's another episode of a lack of respect".
"Such a comment is insulting, condescending, derisory and it has nothing to do with take up of the flu vaccine. What they should be doing is listening to nurses", he said.
