Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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596. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the cutting of pay levels for graduate nurses; the number of nurses who took up places on the Health Service Executive's nursing in Ireland scheme, which was aimed at bringing Irish nurses who had emigrated back to work here; the stage the scheme is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased that it has been possible with effect from 1 March 2016 to significantly improve the rate of pay for fourth year student nurses during their clinical placement to 70% of the first point of the staff nurse scale. Recognition for the duration of the placement as public service for incremental credit purposes has also been restored. This credit had been abolished by the previous Government in December 2010. The position of those who have graduated since 2011 will be reviewed later in the year.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the other matters raised. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.