A protest march to Leinster House by student nurses has been postponed following an offer to increase their annual maintenance grants. The Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, yesterday announced that grants would be increased from £2,500 to £3,000, at a cost of about £1 million a year.
The 1,000 students involved had been due to stage the protest march on Thursday. Ms Deirdre Gillane, the Irish Nurses' Organisation industrial relations officer, said this had now been deferred. The offer will be put to the student nurses participating in the nursing registration/diploma programmes during the next few weeks.
A new allowance of £20 per week was also announced by Mr Cowen to assist students who undertake clinical placements, away from their normal hospital base, to gain specialised clinical experience. The Minister said it would be paid where it was necessary for the student to find accommodation for the duration of the placement.
Others who do not require accommodation will receive a free weekly travel pass.
Mr Cowen also announced that funding is to be given to the Midland Health Board for the establishment of a Regional School of General Nursing.