Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022

Tuesday, 18 October 2022

Ceisteanna (631)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

631. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the number of places in further and higher education facilities in the 2023/2024 academic year to study speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy courses; the level that each of these additional courses will be delivered in tabular form;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52077/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

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, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy.

My officials are also actively engaging with the Department of Health, the HSE and other relevant healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector. The availability of appropriate placements and placement supports is a key enabler of this expansion, and engagement across my Department, the Department of Health, HSE and Higher Education Sector on these issues is ongoing.