Local TD Patricia Ryan has called on the government to urgently deliver a fair pay allowance for student nurses and midwives.
The Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, whose constituency also takes in Portarlington, Killenard and Ballybrittas has said that the government must support student nurses and midwives.
Sinn Féin are bring forward a motion in the Dáil this week in relation to the issue.
“We must support our student nurses and midwives by ensuring they get a fair pay allowance now,” said Deputy Ryan.
“They do highly skilled and important work on the frontline, yet still aren’t getting the recognition they deserve.
“Student nurses and midwives here in Kildare South and across the state have shown extraordinary dedication in caring for our communities in extremely challenging times.
“The government has paid lip service to this issue but failed to deliver. It isn’t good enough.
“Actions speaker louder than words. Payment for student nurses is a litmus test of this government’s recognition of the contribution of those who worked in our health system throughout the pandemic. It tells us so much about what this Government stands for and whose side they are on.
“This is about fairness. Student nurses and midwives deserve fair recognition for the vital work they do. They cannot be ignored any more by this government. We need to see urgent action to deliver for student nurses and midwives immediately.
“Sinn Féin’s motion would also commit the government to publish and act on the McHugh Review, to ensure fairer pay for healthcare staff. Fair treatment of staff is vital if we are to ensure staff retention and safe staffing levels.”
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