asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the existing arrangements for the recruitment of trainee nurses; if individual hospitals are any longer permitted to recruit trainee nurses directly; if he will specify the pay and conditions for trainee nurses and the length of training now envisaged; the number of trainee nurses who are likely to be recruited this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Trainee Nurses.
144.
Nurse training schools are currently under instruction to have no intake of student nurses in the latter half of 1987. Student nurses who commenced training in 1987 were recruited directly by the individual schools of nursing. The Central Applications Bureau, established by An Bord Altranais to process applications for nurse training, will operate from 1988 onward.
Student nurses who commenced training in 1987 in accordance with the terms of the circular issued by my Department should receive a flat allowance of £50 per week for the first year of training together with free accommodation where such accommodation can be made available. This arrangement will be reviewed at the end of 1987. The length of training has not been affected. Basic training leading to registration in any of the four main divisions of the register of nurses is of three years duration.
I am at present having the service plans of the major health agencies reviewed. My objective is to ensure that essential services are maintained. I do not propose to make a final decision on student nurse recruitment for the remainder of this year until the review has been completed.