No justification for delay in paying student nurses and midwives – Matt Carthy TD
Local Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has called on the government to stop delaying pay for student nurses and midwives.
The government reversed its position on January 20th and supported a Sinn Féin motion calling for student nurses and midwives to be paid. But the government has failed to implement that stated position and student nurses on the frontline continue to do their work without remuneration.
Teachta Carthy said:
“Once again I am receiving calls from student nurses and midwives whose placements have resumed without them being paid for their work. Many have found themselves in a desperate financial situation.
“After months of dragging its feet, the government finally accepted Sinn Féin’s position in January and supported our Dáil motion to pay these student workers for the work that they do.
“The financial pressures they are under at the moment while working on the frontline are well known, and if anything may have even deteriorated in recent weeks. With thousands of healthcare workers on sick leave due to the high infection rates we are relying on these students to support our health service.
“The government have accepted that student nurses and midwives should be paid, so the Minister must put an end to these endless delays and see it done.
“Nearly a year into this pandemic the excuses need to stop.
“Some students will have been placement throughout the entire pandemic, they will not have the benefit of sick pay or supports if they contract Covid-19 in the workplace.
“This is an atrocious manner to treat those who have given so much in the face of the pandemic and are committing to a career in caring for us all.
“This situation is completely unacceptable and the Minister needs to deliver for these critical frontline workers”.
ENDS
