Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
814. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of all Higher Education Authority calls for expressions of interest in delivering additional places in third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54506/22]
View answerOn 28th June 2022, I announced the creation of over one thousand college places across a range of disciplines, including welfare, nursing, ICT, architecture and construction, engineering and environment. These places were made available from September 2022. The places were created following extensive engagements between my Department, the HEA and the higher education sector. The places are in areas of key skills needs, as identified by the national skills architecture, and will be permanent additions in the system. A significant effort was made to increase the capacity of in demand courses which will address areas of skills shortages.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently seeking expressions of interest from higher education institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. This process has been designed to respond swiftly to national skills needs, and EOIs are sought from institutions with capability to expand existing courses or create new courses in these areas from academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26. The closing date for submitting EOIs to the HEA is Friday 18th November 2022.
