Ivor Callely
Ceist:41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the criteria for entry to student nurse training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10194/98]
Written Answers. - Student Nurses.
John Gormley
Ceist:64 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the pay and conditions of student nurses; and the steps, if any, he is taking to improve these conditions. [10175/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 64 together.
Student nurses participating in the nursing registration-diploma programmes are not employees of the relevant health agency, and have student status only. They are not paid a salary, but receive a package of financial supports including an annual maintenance grant.
I recently approved a package of enhanced financial supports for student nurses participating in the nursing registration-diploma programmes, including a 20 per cent increase in their annual maintenance grant. The total extra cost of these improved supports in 1998 alone is in the region of £1 million.
Student nurses participating in the nursing diploma programmes receive a far higher level of financial support than other third level students. Each student nurse receives an annual maintenance grant of £3,000. This grant is not subject to a means test. In contrast, other third level students are required to satisfy a means test in order to qualify for a maintenance grant, the maximum rate of which is £1,624 per annum.
Since the abolition of third level fees does not extend to the nursing diploma programmes, the student nurses' fees continue to be paid by the relevant health agency on their behalf The average annual fee is about £1,300.
A book allowance of £200 and a uniform allowance of £120 is also provided for each student nurse commencing the diploma programme. They are also entitled to receive free meals on a seven-day per week basis in designated restaurants in health institutions.
A new allowance of £20 per week was recently introduced to assist students undertaking external placements. This is payable where it is necessary for the student to find accommodation for the duration of the placement. Students undertaking such placements who do not require accommodation receive a free weekly travel pass. The average annual total value of these supports is some £6,000 per student nurse, which compares most favourably with the level of funding available to other third level students.
The whole area of pre-registration nursing education and training, including the procedures for the recruitment of student nurses, is being examined by the Commission on Nursing. It would be my firm intention to review the present arrangements in the light of the recommendations made by the commission in its final report, which is expected later this year. The question of changing the criteria for entry to student nurse training will fall to be considered in the context of such a review.