Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's description of the scheme as a major concession does not, with respect, fit with what the troika said in response to my questions in the course of the meeting with Sinn Féin. Does the Minister accept that the scheme will involve the displacement of up to 1,000 nurses and midwives who are currently employed through agencies? Does he accept that no additional nursing hours will arise from the implementation of the programme? Does he accept that the starting salary for a new entrant nurse or midwife has already been cut by 24% since 2009 and that the programme has no specific additional educational component? Does he accept that the programme will see new graduates having to accept 100% responsibility as regulated, registered professionals while receiving only 80% of the appropriate pay rate? That is the bottom line. There is no guarantee in relation to the future career path of these nurses after the two years.

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