Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
781. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if his attention been drawn to the petition from an organisation (details supplied) to provide full health and safety protection to students, including payment if they contract Covid-19 and have to go on leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40511/20]
View answerMy Department continues to engage with nursing unions on matters concerning Student Nurses on at the present time.
My Department completed an interim review on the 19th November that confirmed the educational and welfare protections that are in place for those student nurses and midwives on clinical placement at the present time.
These protections span supports for those on clinical placement who have lost part time employment, right through to occupational health and illness supports that are available while this pandemic is ongoing. The review also concluded that placement was possible and would remain subject to regular review by the Department, HSE and HEIs.
For those student nurses and midwives on 4th year paid rostered internship, they are covered by existing HSE sick leave schemes and other supports in place for employees who contract COVID-19.
