Student nurses and midwives are getting a pay rise.

During their fourth year placement they'll now be able to earn 70% of the entry-level rate for staff nurses.

The decision, which arises from the Lansdowne Road Agreement, comes into effect on 1st March and will benefit around 1,400 student nurses this year and in subsequent years.

The pay increase relates to when student nurses are on a rostered placement, during which they replace staff nurses/midwives and work the full roster.

Secretary general of the INMO Liam Doran says this is an important announcement for student nurses: