Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
616. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to increase places for dentists on college courses around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49593/23]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.
There is no quota placed on dental courses by my Department, and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions, in line with their autonomy. However due to the high level of practical work involved there are material constraints on the number of students that can be accepted onto dentistry courses.
My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health on determining the longer term skills needs of the healthcare services, and the role which the further and higher education sector can play in meeting those skills needs. I will ensure that there is continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
Following on from an Expressions of Interest process conducted by the Higher Education Authority, in June the Minister for Health and I announced a number of options to develop more substantial medium term additionality in priority healthcare disciplines which included dentistry. I 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.
