Vol. 556 No. 4
177 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if this person will be granted financial support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20656/02]
I have made inquiries with the North-Western Health Board and have been informed that the board decided to support 12 students undertaking the higher diploma in public health nursing in St. Angela's College, Sligo, for the academic year 2002-03. The number of places available for sponsorship was based on the board's workforce planning projections for 2003-04. Selection for sponsorship was made on the basis of competitive interview. Successful candidates were then placed on a panel in order of merit. Unfortunately, the individual concerned did not obtain a sufficient ranking to qualify for sponsorship from the North-Western Health Board. The individual then made a decision to accept a place on the course and to self-sponsor despite having been informed that there would be no funding available from the North-Western Health Board.
