Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
216. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of significant challenges facing general nursing students from County Louth attending Trinity College Dublin, who face huge additional costs for hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation in Dublin as their placements are not scheduled on consecutive days; and if she will engage directly with Trinity College Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44232/26]
View answerPractice placement forms a core part of nursing and midwifery education, accounting for approximately 50% of undergraduate programmes. These placements are integral to the student learning experience and are governed by educational and regulatory requirements; designed to support the achievement of the competencies and learning outcomes required for safe and effective professional practice, in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Standards and Requirements.
Schedules are structured to support appropriate supervision, access to learning experiences, and the overall quality of the learning environment. The scheduling of practice placements, including the distribution of days within a given week, is determined locally by clinical partners to ensure that student learning opportunities are maximised.
There are a range of supports available to undergraduate students during their practice placements, including the provision of a travel and subsistence allowance governed by the Department of Health Circular 4/2023: Payment of Clinical Placement Allowances to Undergraduate Supernumerary Nursing and Midwifery Students.
This is placement-specific healthcare allowance, that recognises the additional costs associated with undertaking mandatory practice placements, particularly where these placements are located at a distance from a student’s usual residence or college. All eligible students may avail of travel and subsistence supports, including overnight accommodation allowances, in respect of certain practice placements. These supports are administered locally in line with national guidelines agreed between key stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE and education providers.
Students make a significant contribution during their practice placement, as valued members of the healthcare team, supporting patient care while developing their clinical competencies. As placements are primarily educational, they are not salaried. An exception applies in the final year of the programme, during which students complete a structured internship and, as recognised members of the workforce, receive remuneration reflecting their contribution and advanced stage of training.
The Department remains committed to supporting nursing and midwifery students throughout their education, recognising their vital role in the future of the overall healthcare workforce.
