Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
92. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update regarding the HEA call for expressions of interest to create more places for student vets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59397/22]
View answerThe Higher Education Authority recently sought 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 Expressions of Interest were 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 submissions to the HEA was last Friday, 18th November 2022.
The HEA has informed my department that 39 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 20 have proposed the delivery of new courses, and 19 are proposing to expand on existing courses in the selected disciplines. Overall, responses represent a rapid, nationwide engagement with the call, with expressions of interest in developing new courses in Pharmacy and Veterinary from all four provinces.
The HEA is currently reviewing applications with a view to moving to the second stage of the assessment process, which will involve review by an expert panel. I understand that the HEA has been in contact with institutions to advise them of the next steps. The HEA may use a similar Expression of Interest process to build capacity in these and other areas in the future, in line with its statutory remit for planning the provision of higher education, as set out in the new HEA legislation.
