Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1073. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the full- and first-year cost of increasing the number of social work courses provided by third level institutions by 5%, 10%, 20% and 25%; and how many extra places this would add, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40211/23]
View answerIn considering matters raised it is important to note that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work places and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), in line with their autonomy.
Currently, six higher education institutes have accredited programmes providing professional qualifications in social work. Two programmes are at undergraduate level, with the majority of programmes at a post-graduate level. The most recent student number data from the HEA indicates that the courses under reference, collectively, had over 670 enrolments in 2021/22.
HEIs, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own academic affairs including the curriculum and student numbers on individual courses. The costs incurred by HEIs 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 provider.
Where the State seeks to see an increase in student numbers in a particular field of study, a specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required to determine the feasibility of securing the provision of additional places. For example, in March I received recommendations from the HEA in respect of the Expressions of Interest process that sought submissions regarding possible expansion of places in five disciplines – Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. An engagement process allows for a deeper consideration of wider issues such as existing capacity; staffing requirements; availability of placements or capital investment in buildings and equipment. It is therefore, not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought in the absence of a specific engagement with the sector.
