There is an increase in nurses educated in Ireland choosing to remain here to work, the annual report of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), stated.
However, despite this trend, the health service is still heavily reliant on overseas nurses to maintain services and they make up the majority who are practicing and caring for patients.
The report from the regulator of nurses and midwives said that as of June this year, there are 92,385 on its register, a 3pc increase on 2024.
“It is the largest number of registered nurses and midwives recorded to date,” it said.
The number of practising and patient facing nurses has also increased to 86,948 nurses and midwives. In 2025, there are 92,385 registrants recorded, showing an overall increase of 13.45pc over the four years.
While there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad, there has been a consistent increase in the number of Irish graduates joining the register. In 2025, 1,649 new Irish-educated nurses and midwives were added up 5pc on 2024 figures.
Since June 2023, the NMBI has seen a “steady decrease in the number of registered nurses and midwives requesting a Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) to work outside of Ireland.
“A CCPS is required by regulators in other jurisdictions to confirm an individual’s good standing before they can practise abroad. This downward trend in CCPS applications suggests that fewer nurses and midwives are choosing to seek registration to work in another judication.”
A breakdown of those who are practicing shows that despite the trend the health service could not operate without overseas nurses.
Among practicing nurses, 41,938 are Irish educated while 42,432 are from non-EU countries. Another 2,578 are from EU countries.
The overseas nurses come from many countries with a majority from India and the Philippines.
More nurses are also gaining additional qualifications as advanced practice is a career pathway for registered nurses and midwives committed to continuing professional development and clinical supervision.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said: “The number of Irish-educated graduate nurses and midwives coming onto the NMBI Register is increasing year on year. In addition, Irish-educated and registered nurses and midwives are opting to stay and practise in Ireland. This is positive news and is important for workforce planning and long-term stability in our health services.”
NMBI Chief Executive Officer, Carolyn Donohoe added: “The comprehensive data, provided in the NMBI State of the Register, supports our collective efforts to ensure the Irish healthcare system is equipped to meet future needs. It is heartening to note that there are now 92,385 nurses and midwives on the NMBI Register, which is a 3pc increase on the previous year, and the highest number recorded to date.”