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 Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley has welcomed a commitment from the Health Minister that the nurses' bursary scheme will be retained. 

The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said; 

"Following recent moves away from the nurses' bursary by the British government local nurses had contacted me to express concern that such a move would be replicated here.  

"I asked my party colleague and health minister Michelle O'Neill today about her intentions for the future of the scheme in the North. 

"I welcome the Minister’s response and her assurance that she has no intention of replacing the bursary with a loan.

"I also welcome her commitment to increasing the number of nurses we train at a time when they are invaluable to a health service under increased demand and about to undergo radical transformation."