I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 520 together.
Fourth year undergraduate student nurses undertake a 36-week rostered placement as a key part of their degree programme. When doing so, they are not qualified nurses and require supervision. The following pay scales have been sanctioned, with the agreement of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with effect from 1 July 2013. Higher scales have been sanctioned for Mental Health Student Nurses undertaking the placement, maintaining previous relativities.
Salary Scales for Student Nurses* undertaking 36 week 4
th
Year Clinical Placement
First one-third (12 weeks) - €6.49 per hour
Second one-third (12 weeks) - €6.92 per hour
Final one-third (12 weeks) - €7.79 per hour
*Including Midwifery, Children's and Intellectual Disability.
Salary Scales for Mental Health Student Nurses undertaking 36 week 4
th
Year Clinical Placement
First one-third (12 weeks) - €6.64 per hour
Second one-third (12 weeks) - €7.08 per hour
Final one-third (12 weeks) - €7.97 per hour.
The level of pay for this undergraduate placement, split into three 12-week periods, is in accordance with the relevant provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act. There are no plans to revise these scales at present.