Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last night there was a discussion in the Dáil on pay for student nurses. While I fully understand that politics were at play, there is a conversation to be had about how we can justify student nurses not being paid. That applies not just during the pandemic but beyond it. Electricians, plumbers and apprentices are all paid something during training. They do not receive a full wage rate but their work is acknowledged and paid for. The same should apply to student nurses. When this pandemic is behind us we need to have a conversation about how we can do this. Student nurses in hospitals may not do the full complement of professional work - they do not administer drugs or perform other tasks requiring training - but they are working extremely hard. Our health service relies upon them. It is no coincidence that this issue remains unresolved for a predominantly female profession. I will work with my colleagues in Fianna Fáil to ensure this matter is resolved to the satisfaction of student nurses.