Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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365. To ask the Minister for Health if the number of college nursing places will be increased to help deal with the pressures on the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17686/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for the question raised.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland currently manage the Nursing Careers Centre and approve education programmes and sites where that education occurs. There are no plans to increase the number of college places for nurse education programmes at this time. There are 1570 places offered each year. The education programme requires student nurses to experience clinical placements in a variety of settings. The number of places offered is considered an appropriate number which assures a quality education experience where the required competencies can be achieved by each student.