Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine the possibility of ending unpaid placements for student nurses and midwives in hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31903/20]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in providing student nurses and midwives with travel and accommodation expenses when they are on unpaid placements in hospitals; if this issue will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31904/20]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider providing suitable financial compensation for student nurses and midwives while on mandatory work placement as part of their training in order that students do not have to choose between education and temporary employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31905/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, together.

I recognise the importance of student nurses and midwives completing their essential clinical placements in a safe environment. I also recognise the potential hardship that might arise from difficulties in maintaining part time employment in the current environment.

Currently, students are not paid for clinical placements in years 1-3 of their studies.  Financial supports for these non intern student nurses and midwives are governed by Circular 9/2004. This provides for an accommodation allowance of up to €59.70 per week to be paid where it is necessary for a student to obtain accommodation away from his/her normal place of residence. Payment is by way of refund on production on certified receipts.

Students are also entitled to a refund of travel expenses based on certified receipts. 

In the immediate term, my Department is reviewing the current accommodation and travel allowances that apply to this year’s 1^st, 2^ndand 3^rdyear students on clinical placements, taking into account the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on such placements. This review is expected to conclude in the coming days and I look forward to bringing forward proposals shortly thereafter.