Before the recess, the Dáil unanimously passed a motion calling for a permanent solution for our student nurses and midwives and for the publication of the independent report looking into the issue. My understanding is that the report could be with the Minister. If it is, it needs to be published. Those very same student nurses and midwives are going to be starting their placements again. Indeed, some of them have started. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, has called for fourth years to have their pay restored to 80% of the entry level of a staff nursing position, which should happen, and a bursary for first-, second- and third-year students. A permanent solution needs to be put in place. I ask the Government to publish the report, implement whatever recommendations it makes and ensure that there is a negotiation with the INMO and a fair solution put in place for student nurses and midwives.

As Minister for Health, I introduced a new nursing degree programme, which was a transformative development in nursing education. The idea was to free up nursing for education purposes. We developed new facilities in universities and institutes of technology across the country. Whatever we do, we must not damage that education space and aspect of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. I will talk to the Minister for Health in respect of where the report is now. Of course, we will publish the report and it will come to Government for decision and consideration. We will keep in touch with the Deputy on the matter.