Question from Deputy Robert O’Donoghue - PQ 49705-26

To ask the Minister for Health whether the inclusion of porters in the HSE Nursing and Midwifery Sponsorship Programme in 2025 was intended as a once-off or pilot initiative; whether porters are eligible to apply for the 2026 intake of the programme; if not, the reason for their exclusion; whether consideration is being given to reopening the programme to porters in future years, particularly those working in direct patient care settings; the assessment that has been carried out of the success of the 2025 intake involving porters; and if she will make a statement on the matter.