Written Answers. - Nursing Diploma Programme.
John V. Farrelly
Question:
192
Mr. Farrelly
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if the Government has considered the request made by the student section of the Irish Nurses Organisation for improved financial support for all students undertaking the three year diploma programme; when he intends making a decision on a weekly non-means tested grant of £75 per week, free meals for the duration of the three year programme whether in the base hospital or undertaking external clinical placement or academic studies, full reimbursement of the cost of any second temporary accommodation away from their base hospital required by the student when undertaking external clinical placements, fourth year degree programme, full payment, either by his Department or the Department of Education and Science, for all nurses undertaking the fourth year full-time degree programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10629/98]
As the Deputy will be aware 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 extra cost of these improved supports in 1998 alone is in the region of £1 million.
I emphasise that 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 is 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 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.
I presume Deputy Farrelly is referring to the one year full-time degree course which University College, Galway, is offering to students who have successfully completed the first general nursing registration-diploma programme which was introduced in 1994.
The position is that successful completion by a student of the three year nursing registration-diploma programme leads to registration as a nurse with An Bord Altranais, at which point he or she will become eligible for employment as a nurse. Since a degree in nursing is not a requirement for registration as a nurse and subsequent employment, such a qualification would be an optional post-registration qualification. Members of the nursing profession wishing to undertake a nursing degree programme are, therefore, responsible for making their own arrangements, including the payment of course fees. I am not in a position to provide funding for these courses.
The Commission on Nursing in its interim report has identified a number of issues relating to pre-registration nursing education and training, which it is expected to address in its final report. I consider that it would be prudent to await the outcome of the deliberations of the Commission before contemplating any changes in the present arrangements, which are in compliance with the rules of An Bord Altranais and the relevant EU Directives.
