I am aware of the many concerns that have been expressed regarding the present system used to recruit student nurses and accept that it can lead to inconvenience and expense for both the training schools and applicants.
As the Deputy may be aware, An Bord Altranais is currently conducting a review of all aspects of nurse training and education which is expected to be completed before the end of this year. It is my intention to give full consideration to the options for a more streamlined application system for entry to nurse training in the context of my consideration of the recommendations arising from this review.