asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the unions representing nursing staff over the proposed cut in the pay of second year student nurses; if this development is consistent with the Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Student Nurses' Pay.
50.
Discussions were held with representatives of the nursing staff and they have been kept informed of developments in this area.
The factual position is that I am increasing the rate for those students who entered training last year at £54 per week to £100 per week in respect of their second year of training. Furthermore, additional payments will be made for week-end and night duty. On the basis of these rates it is possible to increase the intake in 1988 by 400 students in the general nursing area. Overall it is proposed to recruit 1,126 students for general nursing in 1988 as against a figure of 720 recruited in 1987. The intake of students to the other disciplines—mental handicap, midwifery and sick children's nurse training — are being maintained at existing levels while the intake in the psychiatric area will increase slightly.
Within the limited financial resources available to me for training purposes I have endeavoured to make training available, within reason, to as many young people as possible in 1988. I am satisfied that this measure is not in conflict with the objectives of the Programme for National Recovery.