Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1375. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost to increase the number of places on social workers’ graduate programmes by 25%; how many additional places this equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47263/23]
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 across undergraduate and post-graduate level programmes. The most recent student number data from the HEA indicates that the courses under reference, collectively, had circa 720 enrolments in 2022/23.
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. 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.
