Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
180. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the availability of third level places for pharmacy students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland, is a major priority for my Department. 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, including pharmacists.
Officials in my Department have been engaging with colleagues in the Medicines, Controlled Drugs and Pharmacy Legislation Unit within the Department of Health in relation to Pharmacy workforce planning.
Officials from my Department have also been engaging extensively with the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to identify where additional places can and should be provided in the higher education system. The Higher Education Authority are currently developing a request for Expressions of Interest to issue to the sector targeted specifically at healthcare provision, including Pharmacy.
