Vol. 490 No. 1
66 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children whether his attention has been drawn to the discontent among student nurses regarding the inadequacy of grants; the plans, if any, he has to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9718/98]
I recently approved a package of enhanced financial supports for student nurses participating in the nursing registration diploma programmes, including a 20 per cent increase in their annual maintenance grant. The total cost of these improved supports in 1998 alone is in the region of £1 million. Student nurses participating in the nursing diploma programmes receive a far higher level of financial support than other third level students. Each student nurse receives an annual maintenance grant of £3,000. This grant is not subject to a means test. In contrast, other third level students are required to satisfy a means test to qualify for a maintenance grant, the maximum rate of which is £1,624 per annum.
Since the abolition of third level fees does not extend to the nursing diploma programmes, the student nurses' fees continue to be paid by the relevant health agency on their behalf. The average annual fee is about £1,300. A book allowance of £200 and a uniform allowance of £120 are also provided for each student nurse commencing the diploma programme. They are also entitled to receive free meals on a seven day per week basis in designated restaurants in health institutions. In addition, a new allowance of £20 per week was recently introduced to assist students undertaking external clinical placements. This is payable where it is necessary for the student to find accommodation for the duration of the placement. Students undertaking such placements who do not require accommodation receive a free weekly travel pass. The average annual total value of these supports is some £6,000 per student nurse, which compares most favourably with the level of funding available to other third level students.
