Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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1548. To ask the Minister for Health if the changes recommended on foot of the McHugh report on student nurses have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, following approval by Government on 13th December 2022, I was pleased to announce €9 million in additional supports for student nurses and midwives, €5.4m of which has been allocated to the HSE to introduce an enhanced Travel and Subsistence Scheme for eligible students while attending their supernumerary clinical practice placements.

I would like these payments in respect of the 2022/2023 academic year to have been made long ago. However, the HSE raised a query as to whether or not tax implications might arise for students. The position has now been clarified and I am pleased to note that the HSE have informed me that they have issued their circular ‘Payment of Clinical Placement Allowances to Undergraduate Supernumerary Nursing and Midwifery Students’.

For the student nurses and midwives on their final year internship, I have ensured that their salary is set in line with the relevant recommendation in the McHugh report, by increasing their rate of pay with effect from January 2023, to 80% of Point 1 of the Staff Nurse/Midwife pay scale. Also, I have confirmed that two additional uniform tunics should be provided in advance of the internship placement.