But Eamon Gilmore defended the scheme which will see staff starting on lower pay than their counterparts, saying it would provide employment opportunities for young nurses.

He is insisting that hiring the nurses on 80% of the previous starting salary is the right thing to do.

Sinn Féin told Eamon Gilmore in the Dáil this morning that the scheme for graduates is "a scam" to drive down wages.

And Fianna Fáil has accused the coalition of misleading people as the jobs are not new, but will replace 1,000 agency posts. 

Mr Gilmore says the scheme is right as it'll help reduce dole queues, especially for younger people.