Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023

Thursday, 13 July 2023

Questions (865)

David Cullinane

Question:

865. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost of purchasing 100 non-EU medical places for EU students. [35139/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The costs incurred by a Higher Education Institution in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant Higher Education Institution.For non-EU places in medicine, as the Deputy will be aware, the tuition fee payable by non-EU students are determined by the institution attended. In this regard, it is not appropriate to speculate on potential costs to the State of establishing a scheme to secure such places for EU students outside of a specific engagement with the sector to enter into such an agreement.

The matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland is a major priority for my Department. In March, I received recommendations from the HEA in respect of an Expressions of Interest process that sought submissions regarding possible expansion of places in five disciplines – Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. In June, I announced, along with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the findings of this report which has identified options that, with investment, would facilitate the training of substantial additional numbers of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentist and vets. This increase is subject to a forthcoming process which will now begin to cross-reference available options with the ongoing demand in the health care and veterinary areas and to agree costs and funding. I will continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process with investment to be considered in the context of Budgetary processes and the National Development Plan review.