March 24, 2020
Student nurses must be paid for vital work – Senator Máire Devine

Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine has called on the government to ensure that any student nurse who is working in the health service during this crisis be paid for their vital work.

Speaking this morning, Seanadóir Devine said:

“The COVID-19 virus poses a significant challenge to every strand of our health service.

“Delivery of healthcare is more important than ever as we face into the coming weeks. 

“Student nurses will be on the frontline with other staff working as hard as anyone to protect and save lives – they should be paid appropriately for their work.

“Yesterday our third-year student nurses began their work placements. 

“Chaotic 12-hour shifts are the norm as they work alongside and are supervised by our excellent nursing and health service staff. Yet, for our student nurses, there is no renumeration for their work.

“Many will already have lost part-time week-end jobs, others will have had to step back from part-time work in other health care settings due to the risk of cross- contamination, and others may have to live apart from family to protect ‘at-risk’ loved ones. 

“Our student nurses and midwives have to eat, pay rent, pay bills, and pay for travel – is neither fair nor sensible that they should not be paid for their work.

“Our student nurses are relieving some of the enormous pressure on an already overwhelmed nursing workforce and are welcomed by all medical staff as part of the team. 

“As their nursing colleague I can assure them that I will continue to be a voice for nurses and midwives during this critical time.

“Today, I am calling on Minister Harris, the Trade Unions, and the Department of Health to ask them to work out a way to ensure our student nurses and midwives are paid.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Sinn Féin launched our health plan for local health services. We want people to have the very best access to local healthcare services. You can read our plan here 👉 https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Caring-for-Communities.pdf
@davidcullinane

Tackling the crisis in Lough Neagh is a priority.

Today I visited the Lough and heard first hand about the issues it faces, and I am glad that coordinated efforts are underway to protect its stunning beauty and essential roles in the environment, tourism, fishing, and water…

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/childcaresurvey2024

Sinn Féin is working to make childcare affordable and accessible for all parents.

We have launched a survey to listen to your personal experiences of childcare, and to help us address issues facing families.

Please take a moment to fill in our survey.

Irish intervention in ICJ genocide case must be meaningful – Matt Carthy TD

“The intervention must be a meaningful one that sets out clearly the position of the Irish people that Israel is engaged in a genocide against the people of Gaza”

@mattcarthy

Load More