Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to support this very important motion. Our student nurses must be treated fairly and with respect and dignity. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics etc. are all paid as apprentices. Student nurses who serve on the front line need to be looked after, respected and paid. I also call for the €100 registration fee to be waived for this year. We should respect the nurses who did so much for the people of the country this year.

I call on the Government to restore parity to section 39 workers. I have also been asked by Mr. Donie Doody and the great workers who operate SouthDoc in Killarney and Kerry to advocate the restoration of their pay. Other section 39 workers whose pay was reduced in 2010 have had their pay restored since 2018. Why are these people neglected? They are preparing to go on strike. It is sad to think that these staff members, drivers and workers, who work late at night and give so much to the SouthDoc service in Killarney, are being left behind. I call on the Minister of State to ensure this matter is rectified immediately.

The risks faced by nurses on the front line must be taken into account. Like senior nurses and all others on the front line, student nurses are putting themselves and their families in jeopardy. They can contract the virus while working and take it home. I am pleading with the Minister of State. This is very important. The Government must restore pay to section 39 workers and respect student nurses.

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