David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In terms of student nurses and midwives, is what we are seeing at the moment exploitation? I have met hundreds of these students and what they are telling me is that fourth years are still in the hospitals and have been since the pandemic struck. There was a pause in the placements for some of the first, second and third years but not for all. Is it the case that the pay and allowance issues have not been resolved, despite the recommendations of the independent report? Those recommendations have not been implemented but the reality is they do not go far enough. I ask Ms Ní Sheaghdha about the level of anger among student nurses and midwives. In her view, is what we are seeing clear exploitation?