218 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if salary and refund fees will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway for the pursuit of a higher diploma in public health nursing, NUIG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27074/03]
As a reflection of the Government's commitment to ensuring the continued development of community health services, my Department has introduced a number of measures aimed at increasing the numbers of public health nurses. The number of sponsorships available for student public health nurses has been increased from 65 in 2000 to 116 in 2003.
Circular 85/2000 detailed revised arrangements for the sponsorship of student public health nurses. Under the terms of the scheme, sponsored students are eligible for refund of fees and payment of salary in return for a commitment to remain in employment as public health nurses with the sponsoring health board for a period of at least two years. Applications for sponsorship are made to the health boards who are responsible for their own selection process. Vacancies for permanent positions are then reserved and sponsored students are automatically appointed to them on successful completion of the course.
