Holly Cairns
Question:582. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if all student nurses and midwives on placement are receiving the announced €100 allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49595/21]
View answerTuesday, 12 October 2021
Questions (582)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I directed that a longer-term independent review of clinical placement allowances for student nurses and student midwives take place. The Terms of Reference for this Independent Review included consideration of the Pandemic Placement Grant for the academic year 2020/21 as specified in Professor Collins’ Report.
The independent review was conducted by Mr Sean McHugh and submitted to me in August 2021. I am currently reviewing Mr McHugh's Report and recommendations, along with my officials. I hope to outline my plans in this regard shortly.
The existing allowances, set out in the 2004 Circular (DOHC Circular 09/2004) were available concurrently to the Pandemic Placement Grant. This Circular provides for student nurses and midwives, attending supernumerary clinical placements, to receive a weekly accommodation allowance, currently of up to €50.79 per week should their placement be away from their normal place of residence. It also entitles students to have travel costs (to supernumerary clinical placements) refunded on the basis of receipts being provided. Payment of these allowances has been continuing during the pandemic and remain available for this academic year