Written question asked by Lord Kilclooney (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 7 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 January 1999. It was answered by Lord McFall of Alcluith (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 January 1999 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, at which locations student nurse training places are provided; how many of the places at each location have been filled by applicants; if there is a shortage of nurses in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at which locations student nurse training places are provided; how many of the places at each location have been filled by applicants; if there is a shortage of nurses in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [65291] Mr. McFall: Pre-registration student nurse training is commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Services through a contract arrangement with Queen's university of Belfast. For 1998-99 the number of pre-registration places included in the contract were 425, of which 419 were taken up by applicants. I am satisfied that we do not face the same nursing recruitment and retention difficulties as there may be in other parts of the United Kingdom. There is no immediate concern about a shortage of nurses available to meet the requirements of the HPSS in Northern Ireland. However, I have asked my Department to monitor the situation.

Secondary information