The cost of any scholarship scheme would depend on the parameters of such a scheme primarily the level of funding and the number of students supported.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is working closely with the Department of Health and Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth to increase the number of places across a range of health and social care disciplines. In July 2022 an agreement was reached with the medical schools which will see the phased introduction of a further 200 places for EU students. As of September 2023, 120 of these places have been introduced. 2022 and 2023 saw permanent expansion in the number of nursing places with 135 nursing places in 2022 and a further 255 places in 2023. There has also been expansion in the allied health professions. In 2023, 147 places were added across a range of prioritised allied health disciplines including Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Clinical Measurement Science. This was on top of 126 places in 2022.
Any scheme including commitments for graduates to work with the HSE would be a matter for the Department of Health.
