I propose to take Questions Nos. 1166, 1197, 1258 and 1369 together.
I recognise the importance of student nurses and midwives completing their essential clinical placements in a safe environment. I also recognise the potential hardship that might arise for students on placement due to COVID 19 such as maintaining part time employment, increased travel and additional accommodation costs.
Student nurses and midwives are not paid for clinical placements in years 1-3 of their studies and supernumerary status is critical for learning in complex environments. Financial supports for non-intern student nurses and midwives are governed by Circular 9/2004, that provides:
- an accommodation allowance up to €50.79 per week to be paid where it is necessary for a student to obtain accommodation away from their normal place of residence.
- a refund of travel expenses.
Both are paid as refunds on production of receipts.
In the immediate term my Department is reviewing the current accommodation and travel allowances that apply to this year’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students on clinical placements, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on such placements.
The revision is expected to conclude shortly, and I look forward to bringing forward proposals thereafter.
Concerning 4th year nursing and midwifery students, the HSE continues to fund the internship employment of these student who are on rostered work placements. It is very important to me that the training element is protected for students. This includes those scheduled to commence in the coming weeks and those due to commence rostered work placement in 2021. These 4th year student nurses and midwives on rostered work placement are paid at the approved rate, that is €22,229 on an annual basis for psychiatric nursing specialism and €21,749 for all other nursing disciplines.
I am open to examining what other measures that can be put in place to protect and support student nurse and midwife education and welfare at the present time. My priority is to ensure placements continue so long as it is safe to do so. In that regard, my Department is engaging with the HSE and higher education bodies on an ongoing basis.
Separately, and for the longer term, my Department is also reviewing the accommodation and travel allowances for students on clinical placements that should apply from the academic year commencing Autumn 2021 and onwards. This review is expected to conclude at the end of this month, and I look forward to examining the outcome of this review in due course.
As the cost of paying students is a service matter, I have referred the matter to the HSE and asked that it respond directly to the Deputy.