Under this initiative a registered nurse/midwife undertaking an An Bord Altranais Category II approved (as at November 2008*) Post Graduate/Higher Diploma courses in specialist areas of clinical nursing/midwifery practice and who have not already been funded for a specialist course within the last 36 months (or less specifically required by service need) be entitled to have their fees paid in full provided the conditions of this initiative are fulfilled.

This initiative is subject to certain conditions set out in HSE Circular 20/2009.

Nurses/midwives who are sponsored in accordance with the above circular will be paid their existing salary plus specialist allowances (where applicable) on entry to the programme.  Students and are entitled to receive incremental credit during the programme.