'Taxpayer's money wasted' in Canada by health board

A HEALTH board which spent €3,000 conducting interviews in Canada for childcare staff has been accused of wasting taxpayer's money and ignoring suitably qualified Irish staff.

The Northern Area Health Board (NAHB) sent three interviewers to Canada for five days in May 2002 at a cost of €3,000 and is planning to do further interviews there this May.

Co-ordinator of the Irish Association of Social Care Workers John Byrne said it was pointless holding overseas recruitment drives when suitably qualified Irish graduates were available.