Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on the Minister for Health to ‘quit delaying’ and immediately pay student nurses and midwives.
Speaking ahead of Sinn Féin’s motion in the Dáil on Wednesday, Deputy Farrell called on all TDs in Galway West to ‘do the right thing’ and back the motion.
“The Minister for Health has suggested paying student nurses and midwives just €100 per week. This won’t cut it,” said the Deputy Farrell.
“There should be no more empty promises or delays. This is a crisis.
“The review the Minister based this small sum on was conducted before the current crisis and recognised that, if the situation changed, that it would be appropriate to return to the March pay agreement.”
The Sinn Féin TD said that where students are needed to fill employment gaps, they should be paid appropriately.
“There was a severe staffing crisis before the pandemic, and now it is even worse,” she said.
“Throughout the pandemic, student nurses and midwives have been working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect our families and communities from Covid-19.
“The way the Government has treated them has been nothing short of insulting. It’s time to do the right thing and ensure they are paid properly. They deserve respect and must be protected from exploitation.”
