asked the Minister for Health the number of student nurses (a) recruited and (b) employed by the health agencies in each of the years 1980 to 1988; the general salary scales for first, second and third year nursing students in each of the years 1986 and 1987; the proposed number to be recruited in 1988; the current approved salary scale for first, second and third year student nurses; and if this policy is in accordance with the Programme for National Recovery.
Written Answers. - Student Nurses.
146.
The number of students recruited by the health agencies for general nurse training is as follows: 1984, 1,060; 1985, 1,035; 1986, 1,027; 1987, 720.
The total number of general nurse students employed is as follows: 1984, 3,886; 1985, 3,961; 1986, 3,953; 1987, 4,001. The proposed intake of general nurse students in 1988 is 1126. Detailed records prior to 1984 are not readily available.
Salary scales for students for the years 1986 and 1987 are:
|
1-1-86 |
1-5-86 |
1-1-87 |
1-5-87 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1st Year |
6,572 |
6,769 |
6,904 |
7,042 |
|
2nd Year |
6,742 |
6,944 |
7.083 |
7,225 |
|
3rd Year |
6,914 |
7,121 |
7,263 |
7,408 |
The current approved payments for student nurses who were recruited in 1987 at £54 per week and also for future intakes are: 1st year, £58 per week plus free accommodation; 2nd year, £100 per week plus premium payments for weekend, public holiday and night duty; 3rd year, students who commenced training in 1987 at £54 per week (now £58 since 1-1-88) will not enter their 3rd year of training until 1989. The level of pay to apply to these students in 1989 is under consideration at present.
Within the limited resources available to me for training purposes I have endeavoured to make training available, within reason, to as many young people as possible. On the basis of the revised rates for student nurses it is possible to increase the intake in 1988 by 400 students over the level of the 1987 intake. I am satisfied therefore that this measure is not in conflict with the objectives of the Programme for National Recovery.