Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of the decision to abolish payments to student nurses during their fourth year pre-registration rostered placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Last Autumn the previous Government decided to implement a range of budgetary measures including the phased abolition of pay to student nurses when undertaking the rostered placement. Following my appointment, I requested a review of this decision and invited the nursing unions to become involved in the process. I also advised that a more general review of the degree programme for nurses would follow.

Officials from my Department met with the INMO on 22 June concerning the review of the decision on student nurses pay. The issues raised by the INMO at that meeting are now under consideration. It is my view that student nurses should receive appropriate remuneration during the rostered placement.