I propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 212 and 216 together.
Given the unprecedented economic challenges faced by the country, including the ongoing requirement to achieve reductions in public sector employment, the Graduate Employment Initiative will support the retention of recently-qualified graduate nurses and midwives within the Irish health system and a reduction in unsustainable expenditure on agency nurse staffing.
Under the Initiative, up to
1,000 graduate nurses and midwives will be recruited on two-year contracts and will be paid 80% of the first point of the Staff Nurse Scale. They will also qualify for premium payments and allowances on a pro rata basis, bringing expected average pay to approximately €25,000 per year, excluding overtime. The initiative will enable them to gain valuable work experience and development opportunities post-graduation. The employment of graduates in a specific graduate scheme is a widespread practice in other sectors of the economy. The rate of pay under this scheme is within the norms for such programmes.
Given the requirement to achieve reductions in staff numbers in the health sector and to maximise savings, it is not possible at present, other than in very limited circumstances, to offer employment positions. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has agreed that participants in the initiative will not be part of the Health Sector's Employment Ceiling. The initiative therefore provides a valuable opportunity for a substantial number of recently-qualified nurses and midwives to work in Ireland at a time when job opportunities in the public service are, regrettably, very limited.
