Finian McGrath
Question:1329. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will end the salary discrimination in the graduate nursing and midwifery initiative [17617/13]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2013
Questions (1329)
Written answers
I cannot accept the Deputy's contention that the graduate nursing and midwifery initiative involves discrimination. In a time of very limited recruitment opportunities in the public sector, this initiative is offering up to 1,000 graduate nurses and midwives two- year contracts in the public health services. Participants will be recruited on two-year contracts and will be paid 80% of the starting-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 about €25,000 per year, excluding overtime. 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 initiative is within the norms for such programmes.
The scheme will support the retention of graduate nurses and midwives within the Irish health system and enable them to gain valuable work experience and development opportunities post-graduation. It offers graduates an opportunity for further professional development. Participants will be supported to complete a Certificate in Advanced Healthcare Skills, such as Health Assessment and Pharmacology. The graduate nurses and midwives will be able to avail of the suite of educational programmes provided by the Centres for Nursing and Midwifery to enhance their professional development including intravenous canulation and anaphylaxis training. These skills are aligned to the delivery of the HSE clinical care programmes supporting earlier access to assessments and treatments for patients. This programme of professional development will be of great value for individual nurses as they embark on their career path.
Applications from graduates under this scheme will continue to be accepted by the HSE. In line with normal practice, the HSE will continue to facilitate applicants with offers of appointment to posts in the part of the country for which they have expressed a preference.
Question No. 1330 answered with Question No. 1204.