It has been stated here before many times that student nurses are doing essential work and should be paid. I welcome the statement from the Minister for Health, when answering a question from Deputy Cullinane, that the review of student nurse allowances will finish this month. I asked the Taoiseach this question, but whether he misunderstood me or I was unclear, I will try to be more straightforward now. The review is welcome and needs to happen. Could we also look at whether it might be possible for this allowance money to be paid up front? Many nursing and midwifery students in third year in the Dundalk Institute of Technology, DKiT, have raised this issue with me and asked if this might be possible.

We can certainly look at that. As the Deputy knows, however, the review is under way and I do not know what the outcome will be. The issue raised by the Deputy can certainly be examined.