Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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714. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the plan to have all student nurses remunerated for their work on the front lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36264/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE continues to fund the employment of fourth year student nurses and midwives who are on rostered work placements in hospital settings, including those scheduled to commence in the coming weeks and those fourth year students who are to commence rostered work placement in 2021.

These fourth student nurses and midwives on rostered work placement are paid at the approved rate as detailed on the HSE salary scale of €22,229 (annualised - psychiatric nursing specialism) and €21,749 (annualised - all other nursing specialisms).

In addition there are other supports open to all eligible nursing students:

An accommodation allowance available for eligible nursing students which amounts up to €50.79 a week for the duration of the placement where it is necessary for the student to obtain accommodation away from his/her normal place of residence.

A travel allowance is also available to eligible nursing students.

My Department is currently reviewing these allowances for this year’s student nurses on clinical placements, taking into account the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on such placements and expects to conclude this review shortly.