Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
178. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health what progress is being made on the implementation of measures (details supplied) considering that they apply with effect from the start of the 2022/2023 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 have informed me that they have issued their circular ‘Payment of Clinical Placement Allowances to Undergraduate Supernumerary Nursing and Midwifery Students’ on 6th September 2023.
Based on this, officials in my Department have written to the HSE requesting an update on progress.
