Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
572. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places to be available in 2022-2023 across health and social care disciplines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17435/22]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health and social care workforce. My officials are currently engaging with the Higher Education Authority and representatives from the higher education sector on the provision of additional places for the coming academic year. It is the intention that there will be a focus on areas such as healthcare and social work where there is a need for more skilled graduates. Work is well underway on this, and the places created will be sustainable and aligned with medium term planning. A final number has not been agreed for 2022/23 and as such I am not in a position to provide this as requested by the Deputy in tabular form.
In the longer term, the Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health on determining the longer term skills needs of the healthcare services, and the role which the further and higher education sector can play in meeting those skills needs. I will ensure that there is continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
