Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost per place of nursing students within hospitals. [31189/18]

Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost per student of a completed nursing degree. [31190/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

The cost of educating each nursing student (undergraduate level) is approx. €10,000-€11,000 per annum. Therefore the estimated cost incurred over the four year period for the undergraduate course is €40,000-€44,000.

I wish to advise the Deputy that nursing students only receive payment for placement during year 4 of their programme. Placement in previous years of the course is unpaid.

I am advised by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) that Higher Education Institutions do not cover the cost of this paid placement. It is my understanding that student nurses are employed directly by the HSE/hospital while on year four placement.