Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
157 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if during the past three years there has been an increase or decrease in the number of nursing staff available throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26602/04]
View answerDuring the past three years there has been a significant increase in the number of whole-time equivalent nurses employed in the health service. Figures from the health service personnel census show that between 31 December 2001 and 31 December 2003 the number of whole-time equivalent nurses increased from 31,428 to 33,765. The additional 2,337 whole-time equivalent nurses employed represents an increase of 7.43%.
