The number of nurses on the "active register" has risen by almost 4,000, according to figures released by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin.

He told Labour's health spokeswoman, Ms Liz McManus, that the number of nurses available for employment had risen from 47,157 in 1997 to 50,940 last year. The figure for 1999 was based on provisional information from An Bord Altranais, the nursing board. The number of nurses working full time in 1999 was 27,338, based on provisional agency figures.

The Minister conceded he was not sure how valuable the active register was in terms of quantifying the numbers. "I have met people who are retired from nursing for 10 years, and who are in other positions but who are still on this register. That said, it is clear there is a significant number of nurses who could be recruited to the service if changes take place."