‘They deserve respect’ – Kilkenny TD demands fair pay for student nurses and midwives

A Kilkenny TD has called on the Health Minister to quit delaying and pay student nurses and midwives now.

The student nurses and midwives have been at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19 in our hospitals and care centres but have not been receiving any pay up to this point for their work.

This is a practice Kilkenny Sinn Fein TD Kathleen Funchion must end immediately and says the €100 a week being suggested as compensation by the government falls far short of what is required.

Deputy Funchion is bringing a motion before the Dáil this afternoon, seeking support from all for what she calls “a crisis,” looking for fair pay for our student nurses and midwives.

“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.

“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,” Deputy Funchion 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.

“The time to deliver is now,” Deputy Funchion concluded.