Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 3

Written Answers. - Student Nurses.

Ulick Burke

Question:

243 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide additional funding to the Western Health Board to pay first year student nurses the maintenance allowances at the £47 rate given to second and third-year students; his views on the inequity towards and discrimination against first year students in this regard; and his further views as to whether this is helpful for a health board who hopes to retain these professional persons at a later date in its employment. [31880/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Nursing students on the pre-registration nursing diploma programmes are entitled to receive free meals on a seven day per week basis in designated health service institutions.

I have been informed by the Western Health Board that the manner in which the board continues to meet this requirement is currently the subject of discussions between the board and unions representing the nursing students concerned. The unions are currently considering proposals which were made by the board at a recent meeting. If these proposals are accepted, the Western Health Board will be in a position to fund their implementation from within its existing financial resources.