Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the process of selecting a higher education institute to facilitate increased capacity in veterinary medicine. [26749/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the HEA recently carried out an exercise to identify options for building capacity in the higher education sector in priority disciplines including Veterinary Medicine.
As I am still reviewing the submission from the HEA, it is not currently possible to say how many further places may be delivered at this time, which higher education institutions may be involved, or in what specific areas these places may be made available. I am also engaging with my Cabinet colleagues, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Minister for Health in relation to the options.
Our Departments are continuing to engage closely on this matter to consider these options, having regard to workforce plans and projected demand for graduates.
