FIRST they came for our builders, now the Australian government wants to lure hundreds of Irish nurses Down Under with permanent job contracts.
Officials from New South Wales are embarking on a recruitment drive to hire up to 200 Irish nurses.
The move is part of a programme over the next four years to recruit 1,400 nursing professionals as part of a massive expansion programme by the Australian health services.
The jobs in the largest state in Australia, which includes Sydney, are being offered in the areas of mental health, midwifery and intensive care.
Margaret Cox, director of ICE Group, told the Herald that Ireland is top of the hit list for nursing and midwifery bosses.
"The training system in Ireland is second to none.
"There is a very strong preference for Irish and British trained nurses -- particularly the personality, professionalism and attitude of the Irish nurses," she said.
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"These are permanent jobs they are offering. It...