Cathal Crowe
Question:834. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when a number of measures (details supplied) to ease burdens on student nurses will come into play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34278/23]
View answerTuesday, 11 July 2023
Questions (834)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, following approval by Government on 13th December 2022, I was pleased to announce €9 million in additional supports for student nurses and midwives, €5.4m of which has been allocated to the HSE to introduce an enhanced Travel and Subsistence Scheme for eligible students while attending their supernumerary clinical practice placements.
I would like these payments in respect of the 2022/2023 academic year to have been made long ago. However, the HSE raised a query as to whether or not tax implications might arise for students. The position has now been clarified and I am pleased to note that the HSE is now proceeding to finalise preparations for issuing payments as soon as possible.
Regarding the €500 flat rate meals allowance for the 2023/2024 academic year, payments are scheduled to be paid by the HSE in two equal parts, in November 2023 and February 2024.
For the student nurses and midwives on their final year internship, I have ensured that their salary is set in line with the relevant recommendation in the McHugh report, by increasing their rate of pay with effect from January 2023, to 80% of Point 1 of the Staff Nurse/Midwife pay scale. Also, I have confirmed that two additional uniform tunics should be provided in advance of the internship placement.