Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 2 March 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Covid-19 Health Related Issues: Update

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. On her first question, I will get her a detailed response. It sounds like a contractual issue. If I had to hazard a guess, which I am loath to do, I imagine it would be to do with pay that is specifically about the clinical placement. However, I will get a detailed response from the Department as to why that would be.

With regard to a bursary, the Senator referenced England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. At the moment, someone studying nursing or midwifery in Ireland will be paid, I am told, €17,400 over the four years. That is the amount they get paid during their time on placement. In England, Scotland and Wales, I am told it is approximately 10,000 - it might be pounds - over three years. The amount paid to the students over four years in Ireland is significantly in excess of the amount currently paid over three years in England, Scotland and Wales. I do not know about the other jurisdictions but my understanding is that in Scotland that payment or some of it is means tested as well, so for some students it would be significantly less. However, these are all fair questions and we have to make sure it is possible for people to complete their training. We want them to have the best possible experience during their training and to be the best graduates they can be. That creates something of a problem for us because they are highly valued around the world and other countries look to recruit them. However, it means we get the best possible graduates coming into our system. The review that is about to be kicked off, which is looking at structural issues around the placements, will consider exactly those issues.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.