Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nurse Training.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

277 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people, male and female, who applied to train as nurses in the academic year 1999-2000; and the number of these applicants who received an offer of a place on the first year course; the number who actually registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18914/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The application-selection process for places on the general and psychiatric nursing registration-diploma programmes in 1999 was handled by the nursing careers centre, NCC, which is managed by An Bord Altranais, with the assistance of the local appointments commission, LAC.

I understand from the nursing careers centre that the total number of applicants for places on the general and psychiatric nursing diploma programmes in the academic year 1999-2000 was 5,591, of which 88% of applicants were female and 11% of applicants were male. Only 1% of applicants were found to be ineligible. A total of 2,062 applicants received an offer of a place and 1,066 students commenced training in the general and psychiatric pre-registration nursing programmes.

The application-selection process for places on the mental handicap nursing registration-diploma programme was handled by the mental handicap nursing applications centre, MHNAC. I understand from the MHNAC that a total of 624 applications were received and 149 applicants accepted an offer of a place and commenced training in the mental handicap pre-registration nursing programme. The centre does not have a breakdown of the figures for male and female applicants.