Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I endorse everything my colleagues have said on this matter. I have one additional point to make. Unless there is some capacity to distinguish between the risk of getting Covid for a nurse who is working full time and a nurse who is a fourth-year student, then this is an utterly disgraceful action and the Minister is putting students at risk as they strive to complete their education. The Minister cannot distinguish what he is doing now from what was done earlier this year. This is blatant exploitation and it is completely and utterly wrong. The Minister is underestimating this as an issue and he needs to do the right thing. These are front-line workers who are saving lives and putting themselves at risk the same as every other front-line worker. They deserve to be treated appropriately.

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