Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The world we used to live in prior to Covid-19 seems like a very different world from the one we are living in now. In former times, many student nurses could take up other jobs in nursing homes and so on, but they can no longer do so for all sorts of reasons. Financially, this has left them out of pocket. Living on an allowance of €50 a week, with the responsibility that is entailed in their roles, is having a hugely detrimental effect on their well-being. Nursing is a very hard job and the people working in the profession are extremely dedicated. However, some are fearful of the nature of the business they are in. It is very important that the Minister for Health should recognise the contribution of student nurses, whether in first, second of third year. Of course their placements are part of their education. I know that because I used to work alongside them. However, it is really important that they are recognised, financially as well as educationally, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 crisis.

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