Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
476. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in social work and counselling by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35405/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following information requested by the Deputy has been provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Social Work:
Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in social work students is c.€955,000 - €1,002,000 This includes all full-time Level 8 Honours Degree programmes where Social Work (or equivalent) is included in the title of the programmes.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 96 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 1,056
Counselling:
Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Counselling students is c.€26,000 - €27,500
This includes all full-time Level 8 Honours Degree programmes where Counselling/Addiction (or equivalent) is included in the title of the programmes.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 3 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 36.
