John McGuinness
Question:491 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the extra assistance which is available to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the financial assistance which is available. [1199/02]
Written Answers. - Nursing Grants.
Nursing students on the diploma programmes receive an annual non-means tested maintenance grant of 4,533, £3,570, as well as other financial supports. Student nurses also benefit from a book allowance of 343, £270, along with a uniform allowance of 203, £160. Student nurses are also entitled to receive free meals on a seven-day per week basis in designated health institutions.
In early 1998, a new allowance of 25, £20, per week was introduced to assist students undertaking external clinical placements. This is payable where it is necessary for the students to find alternative accommodation away from their normal place of residence for the duration of the placement. This allowance is now 51, £40, per week with effect from 1 June 2001. Students undertaking external clinical placements also receive a weekly travel pass.
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 2,032, £1,600.
The average annual total value of these supports is some 8,888, £7,000, per nursing student, which compares most favourably with the level of funding available to other third level students.