Vol. 523 No. 4
134 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children if fees will be refunded to qualified nurses who attend the two year higher diploma in midwifery programme; and if his attention has been drawn to the financial hardship involved in the payment of the fees. [21301/00]
On 31 July last, I announced that from the 2000-01 academic year, all students studying for the post-registration higher diploma in midwifery would have their fees refunded. I also announced that student midwives would receive an enhanced salary while training. This is in return for a commitment on the part of student midwives to work for at least two years following qualification as midwives within the public health service. This initiative, costing £1 million on a yearly basis, is currently being implemented.
