Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

718. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the need for a stipend or financial supports to supply radiation therapy students with assistance with uniform purchase or rental, travel and reimbursement for work on clinical placements; and his plans to bring financial reimbursement in line with other courses, such as nursing. [4166/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Placements for health and social care programmes are arranged at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution as part of their programme offering, to be delivered in conjunction with relevant clinical placement providers.

Placement hours are a requirement of the regulator to meet the standards of professional capability necessary to practice in a regulated profession. In the case of health and social care professions the principal regulator is CORU, under the aegis of the Department of Health, which sets the standards of education and training required for the professions which fall within its remit.

Regarding any payments while on placement, this is a matter for the relevant employer, which would be, in the public sector the HSE, and in other cases, private providers. My Department does not provide payments for students while on placement for expenses incurred.

Financial assistance for students can be applied for via SUSI for the Student Grant Scheme. My Department also funds the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended and on . This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.