Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of having to spend time in a hospital or those who have a relative in a hospital will agree the one thing that stands out is the dedication and care that young student nurses give to all of their charges. The burden of work and responsibility that is laid on their shoulders is immense, and it should not be underestimated. They face huge workloads even as they are being exposed to potential Covid infection. The failure to deliver on Sláintecare and to deliver a public healthcare system fit for purpose is a disaster and an indictment of this and previous Governments.

Young student nurses and midwives are the bedrock of our health service now and will be in the future, and we should do everything to ensure they maintain their commitment and dedication to our health service. Unfortunately, the treatment of student nurses and midwives has led to a brain drain. It is shameful that the years of training and experience that the student nurses acquire in Ireland will be of benefit to hospitals abroad. It is understandable that a newly qualified nurse or midwife would want to emigrate and utilise his or her talents in a country where they would receive proper pay and respect. There are approximately 4,500 student nurses in the State. Currently, fourth-year student nurses receive the equivalent of an annual salary of between €21,749 and €22,249 for their 36-week placement in hospitals. The Government has suggested that fourth-year student nurses would now be in line for a 12.5% increase. The student nurses in the years below them are no less dedicated and no less hard-working, and they also have helped the overstretched health services in the fight against Covid 19. They also should be valued for their work, and as employees they should receive proper remuneration for the long hours they have spent, and are spending each day, in hospitals in the State looking after the sick and injured. At the moment most receive nothing or are paid a small and inadequate allowance. Protecting our front-line staff is crucial and the roll-out of a booster vaccination campaign for them is essential and welcome. Student nurses are doing indispensable work, and despite this they are getting no proper financial recognition for this work. There are also substantial costs relating to placements, which results in an additional financial burden on students. Student nurses should not be used as a stopgap measure for the shortfalls in our healthcare system.

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