Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
481. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if additional third level places will be made available for students wishing to study pharmacy in view of the shortage of community pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7438/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeveloping enhanced capacity within the tertiary education system to deliver on skills needs in areas of strategic importance to public services and the wider economy is a major priority for me. 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.
My Department does not place a quota on the number of pharmacy places offered by higher education institutions, and as such the number of places provided each year is determined by the institutions themselves in line with their capacity.
The Higher Education Authority has completed the first stage of an expression of interest process for Higher Education Institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary .
The second stage of this process has now commenced with the recent announcement by the Higher Education Authority of the appointment of an Expert Advisory Panel to review the opportunities for new programmes covered by the process. The panel is comprised of representatives from Government Departments and regulatory and professional bodies that have direct professional experience and/or academic expertise in the relevant disciplines, or knowledge of the higher education system at a senior level.
As the Expert Panel is currently reviewing the applications, it is not possible to say at this time how many places may be delivered. The Higher Education Authority will consider opportunities for new programme provision alongside options for current programme expansion to determine a final list of options to present to me in the first quarter of this year.
My Department will consider these options having regard to workforce plans and projected demand for graduates from relevant line Departments.
