Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called on the Government to address the issue of pay and allowances for Student Nurses and Midwives. Teachta Crowe said that the important role and work of student nurses and midwife trainees had been highlighted time and time again during the COVID Pandemic where they continuously fill gaps and go beyond the training element of their contracts.

The Sinn Féin TD said:

“The government’s delay and refusal to put in place a fair pay and allowances system for student nurses and midwives doesn’t stand up to scrutiny and is insulting to these workers. We all know the important role and work of student nurses and midwife trainees during the COVID Pandemic where they continuously fill gaps and go beyond the training element of their contracts. This issue is about fairness and respect and needs to be urgently addressed.

“We need to send out a clear message to graduate nurses and midwives that while we understand and seek to maintain the education element of their training, we equally acknowledge the vital work that they have carried out particularly during this Pandemic.

“Sinn Féin supports the INMO’s call for fair pay for 4th year graduates and allowances for all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years.

“By delivering on this, we will be moving beyond worthless clapping and back slapping. We need to send out a positive and real message to student nurses and midwives that we value the work that they do and we want them to eventually work full time in Irish health care settings.

“The Minister set up a review which he promised would be completed by the end of December. We need to see real movement on this issue and the Government need to understand this crucial pay issue will not go away.”