The number seeking to pursue a career in nursing has fallen by over 1,000 this year, according to figures issued by the State's Nursing Careers Centre.
Because of the drop in the number applying for all types of nursing and the increase in the number of training places this year to 1,500, the careers centre said yesterday, it was confident it would be able to offer training places to all eligible applicants.
A total of 5,030 applications was lodged with the careers centre for general, psychiatric and mental handicap nursing this year, compared with 6,215 last year. The lower number of applications for nursing school places is in line with a drop in the number applying to third-level colleges.
Last year 2,062 applicants were eligible for places, and when the schools of nursing were filled, 999 eligible applicants were placed on a reserve panel. On the basis of these figures the careers centre is confident it will be able to offer places to all eligible applicants this year.
"Although the number of applications for this year's Registration/Diploma in Nursing Programme appears to have decreased in comparison with 1999, it should be remembered that there is a declining pool of school-leavers," the careers officer with the Nursing Careers Centre, Ms Christine Hughes, said.
"These school-leavers have more choices of course at third level, and those opting not to proceed to third-level education have more employment options on leaving school."
Applicants will be called to assessment tests early next month, and those who pass will be interviewed in July.