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

First, I thank Sinn Féin and its Members for bringing forward this very important motion on the pay, or lack of it, of student nurses and midwives.

I want, first, to acknowledge the work they have been doing. However, in keeping with what I have continually said in this Chamber, I do not want praise for these people who are doing excellent work; I want them to be paid. One of the most insulting things was when front-line workers saw politicians and others standing up and applauding them. That was ridiculous. It was actually an insult because what the Government should be doing is paying people for their work, not praising them.

My office is inundated with this issue at present, which is being brought to us by student nurses and their families. To think of the workload and burden that is being placed upon them, while, at the same time, the Department, Minister and Government do not see fit to pay them for the work they are doing, is unbelievable. At a time when we are struggling and when we need people to work with us, it is outrageous that they cannot be paid fairly, honestly and properly. Is it any wonder that young people, when they get their qualifications, look at going abroad because they see the possibility of a better way of life and they see governments, departments and politicians elsewhere willing to accept that they have worked and put effort into their education and getting qualified? Here in this country, they will not be paid for that. They will go abroad, we will lose all that talent and I am very sorry about that. I ask the Government to respond positively to this motion and to all our efforts on this issue.

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