The Government has yet to name a date when student nurses will be paid, as they continue to work for free during the pandemic.
Student nurses on placement in hospitals during the Covid-19 outbreak have taken to social media to vent their anger.
The Department of Health has failed to issue an exact date on when the student nurses will be paid, despite the high price they’re paying to be on the frontline.
One student nurse wrote on Facebook she felt Minister of Health Simon Harris was “trying to silence us”.
Aontú leader deputy Peadar Tóibín called for the “immediate re-opening” of the written questions facility to TDs in light of the situation.
He said: “A number of student nurses have alleged that those on placement in Irish hospitals are not getting paid. They must be paid fairly with immediate effect, how else are they to be expected to pay rent and other such expenses?”
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “The registration / application process for Student Nurses and Midwives taking up these HCA roles will be fully activated by Tuesday April 7.
“Contracts for those student nurses and midwives that take up those roles will be issued shortly thereafter.
"The Minister looks forward to seeing our student nurses and midwives taking up these positions and continuing to play a key role in supporting the health service during this national effort.”
