Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Praise, applause and kind words do not pay any bills or butter any parsnips. I am very aware of that. I am as aware of it as the Deputy is. That is why we have ensured our healthcare workers in Ireland are better paid than is the case in many European countries, such as the United Kingdom and in Northern Ireland where they went on strike not very long ago and where the Deputy’s party is in office. That is why we ensured that all healthcare workers received two pay rises this year, albeit modest ones, one in March and one in October.

This was not the case in other countries. In many cases, there has been a third pay rise, in the form of an increment, for those on a salary scale. Even though most students are not paid in Ireland, we do pay student nurses and midwives in their preregistration year in recognition of the work they do and its value. That is why the matter is currently being considered, as I said in my earlier remarks. A full review of student allowances is under way and it will be completed shortly. There will be discussions with the representatives, and any changes will come into effect in September 2021.

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