Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Hoey's motion to recognise the contribution of student nurses and midwives, who have been at the coalface over the last 12 months. It is important to note it is a key priority of Government to protect and support the continued education of all students, including student nurses and midwives. A key part of that education, in order to meet the standards and requirements of the regulator, is the completion of the supernumerary placements which place them on the front line in a learning capacity for up to 50% of the year. However, over the last year, student nurses have had to go above and beyond a learning capacity.

I raised this issue in November and I remember Senator Hoey was quite surprised that a Government Member spoke up on this. However, I feel that, in the meantime, the Government has reacted in a small way to this issue. The review by Professor Collins recommended a pandemic placement payment of €100 for each week spent on placement from last September, which was accepted by the Minister. However, I believe this payment should be backdated to the start of the pandemic in March. I also ask for an update on the talks with the unions in regard to other recommendations in the report.

It is important to acknowledge the other supports, such as the pandemic unemployment payment, SUSI and enhanced illness benefit, and also to note that other healthcare students are not paid before they qualify, be it medical students, physiotherapists or radiographers. Maybe it is time to start a conversation for all in the medical field. We want to keep them in their professions and in this country. It is important that we highlight their plight and support them in the future. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.

I acknowledge the work of the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, since his appointment, and the work of all of our health service staff on behalf of the citizens of this country. I support Senator Hoey and compliment her on the motion and all the work she has done on this in recent years.