Sinn Féin TDs for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty, have called on the government to urgently deliver a fair pay allowance for student nurses and midwives.
Sinn Féin brought forward a motion in the Dáil yesterday evening, to commit the government to delivering this.
Speaking this morning, Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “We must support our student nurses and midwives by ensuring they get a fair pay allowance now.
“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 [constituency] 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.
“Tonight, the Dáil will debate Sinn Féin’s motion to give student nurses and midwives a fair pay allowance. I am calling on all TDs to back Sinn Féin’s motion.
Teachta Doherty said: “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.
“For far too long, patients and healthcare workers have been abandoned by government after government through lack of leadership and funding. Sinn Féin in government would deliver an Irish national health service which is fit for purpose and which ensures high quality, timely care.”
