Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
155. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provisions that his Department has in place for the increase of dentistry places and courses; when additional funding for the expansion of Irish dental schools will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere 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 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.
The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
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.
In relation to funding for the expansion of dental schools, in February I announced a second call under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) for applications for major HE capital projects. The prioritisation of projects is a matter for each higher education institution and it is open to UCC or TCD to submit an application for expansion of their dental schools.
