Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1299. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if recently reported figures of 440 healthcare places in third-level included the approximately 50 private nursing placing introduced for the first-time in 2021 by a college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40962/21]
View answer1300. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional nursing places that will be made available in the 2021-2022 academic year in public higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40963/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1299 and 1300 together.
In light of high number of CAO applications this year, and the pressures faced by the Leaving Certificate students of 2021, my officials have been working with the HEA and the higher education institutions to identify where there is scope for additional places to be provided for the 2021/2022 academic year, including in nursing courses.
However there are real, material limits on the number of places in healthcare courses that can be provided due to the need to facilitate clinical placements for these students. My officials are engaging with the Department of Health on this in order to determine where there is capacity for additional placements for healthcare students within the health services.
All additional places under discussion are in HEA-funded institutions, and any additional capacity in the private higher education sector is a matter for those institutions.
