Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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428. To ask the Minister for Health the plans he has to increase student nurse pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44246/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Student undergraduate nurses participating in the 4th year rostered clinical placement are paid in accordance with the rates specified in the minimum wage legislation, €6.49 for the first 12 weeks, €6.92 for the second 12 weeks and €7.79 for the third 12 weeks, with mental health student nurses 2.3% higher.

There are no plans to change these rates at present. During this placement the students are not qualified nurses and require supervision. Nurses' pay is covered by the Haddington Road Agreement. The staff nurse scale commences at €27,211(excluding any allowances and premium payments). Higher rates of pay apply to mental health staff nurses.