Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has called for the real work that student nurses and midwives do to be recognised.

The Waterford TD said that the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach are being disingenuous when they deny the reality of work done by student nurses and midwives.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“There is a very strong campaign by student nurses and midwives and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation for fair pay for the work that they do.

“The Minister and the Taoiseach are being disingenuous when they deny the reality of work done by student nurses and midwives.

“Attempts to deflect by saying we must not return to the past, to the apprenticeship model, will not work.

“We are not calling for that, the INMO are not calling for that.

“What we are calling for is recognition of the real work done by student nurses and midwives.

“We are not looking for a return to the past or an apprenticeship model – we are supporting the INMO’s demands that there is a fair allowance for first, second, and third year student nurses and midwives, and better pay for fourth year interns.

“Other jurisdictions with degree programmes offer bursaries which recognise the work done and support students through it.

“Nursing and midwifery is a degree programme which trains students into a highly respectable and essential profession.

“It is only fair that they are supported through this degree and that the real work they do as part of it is recognised.

“We welcome the Minister’s commitment to a short review in the context of Covid, but beyond Covid, it cannot be buried in reviews.

“This needs to be dealt with urgently, and it can and should be resolved quickly in cooperation with the INMO.”