Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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175. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the valuable contribution that student nurses have made to the health system; the number of unpaid hours worked by student nurses since the beginning of March 2020; the cohort of student nurses in percentage terms who worked in Covid-19 related care; his views on whether the decision by many nurses to move abroad to work is due in part to some feeling unappreciated by his Department; his plans to improve relations between his Department and the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42505/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Recently on social media, I thanked everyone for the sacrifices they have made in recent weeks including healthcare workers who continue to do everything they can for patients.

On the matters of concern for student nurses and midwives, I can confirm that officials from my Department are currently engaging with the representative trade unions on these matters.

In November, my officials conducted a review of the current supports available to student nurses and midwives at the present time, taking into account the impact of COVID-19 on clinical placements this year. The outcome of this review has been communicated to the representative trade unions. That included details of the existing and additional educational, health and welfare supports and protections that are available to nursing and midwifery students at the present time.

My officials are also currently engaging with the representative unions on an examination of the existing allowances available to student nurses and midwives. Further engagement with those unions is due to take place on this matter this week before this examination takes place.

On the wider Nursing and Midwifery profession and its outlook, I note that the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery is continuing with its work and is expected to report its findings in early 2021. The Expert Review Body will, as per its terms of reference, conduct ‘a general review of nursing and midwifery, embracing the full spectrum of issues relating to scope and role, structure, operational flexibilities, management responsibilities, professional development and other measures designed to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery in an integrated way’.

This review, along with the improvements in certain pay and allowances and the new Enhanced Practice role arising from the 2019 Nursing Agreement, signifies that the opportunities for growth and development for nurses and midwives are increasing and it is an exciting time to enter the profession. I would encourage student nurses and midwifes to examine these opportunities that a career in our health service offers.

With regard to the other information requested, I have asked the HSE to directly reply to you in relation to that information.