Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has called on Minister Stephen Donnelly to act on the Dáil motion passed last week relating to student nurse and midwife pay.
Teachta Cullinane said the Minister must publish the report on student nurse and midwife pandemic pay this week.
He also said that the Minister must re-instate the March agreement allowing students with cancelled placements to work as healthcare assistants, and to pay 4th year interns at the healthcare assistant rate.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“Last week, the Sinn Féin motion on student nurse and midwife pay was passed by the Dáil.
“That motion must now be acted on by Government. The Minister should not delay.
“He also must publish the review on student nurse and midwife pandemic pay by Prof Tom Collins this week.
“The motion was clear – the Minister should make sure that 4th year interns are now paid at the healthcare assistant rate.
“He must ensure that students whose placements are cancelled now or in the future as a result of the pandemic can work as healthcare assistants, if they want to.
“The second review must be signed off on this week and expedited.
“The Minister should also immediately engage and negotiate with healthcare unions to put in place a fair and reasonable system of allowances going forward.
“The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, has excused himself from this debate. That is unacceptable.
“Minister Harris should step up to the mark and ensure fair treatment for students and give them clarity about the impact on their clinical placements.
“It is up to him and the Minister for Health to ensure that they get fair treatment, and that there are no delays to their academic progression because of the decision to suspend placements.”
