Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of college places available for nursing students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12035/00]
Written Answers. - Third Level Places.
The revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training was introduced in October 1994 and is operated by schools of nursing in association with third level colleges. The programme is funded by the Department of Health and Children and is fully operational since 1998. Successful completion of the three year programme leads to a diploma in nursing studies and students are eligible to register with An Bord Altranais for employment as a nurse. While undertaking the diploma programme, the students' fees are paid by the relevant health agency and they receive an annual non means-tested maintenance grant and other supports.
I understand that a total of 1,215 training places were filled in 1999, comprising 812 in general nursing, 254 in psychiatric nursing and 149 in mental handicap nursing. Furthermore, in response to the nursing shortage, the action plan agreed with the Nursing Alliance as part of the settlement of the nurses' strike, provides for an increase of some 300 additional training places on the nursing registration-diploma programmes in 2000. The intention is that 1,500 training places will be available; 1,000 in general nursing, 300 in psychiatric nursing and 200 in mental handicap nursing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places available for students studying medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12036/00]
I am having inquiries made in this matter and I will arrange for a response to issue to the Deputy in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of third level places for students studying science subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12037/00]
The latest available figures for science show that the following college places were taken up in the 1998-99 academic year: science, taken to mean the natural sciences i.e. chemistry, biology, physics, environmental, biotechnology etc. but excluding computer sciences; university sector – 3,721; institute of technology sector – 1,240.