Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
644. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in pharmacy by 20%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 20% increase would achieve. [9258/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Pharmacy places and therefore higher education institutions (HEIs) are in a position to increase places in line with their autonomy without Departmental consent.
Currently, three higher education institutes have accredited programmes providing professional qualifications in Pharmacy. The most recent student data from the HEA indicates that these Pharmacy courses collectively had 195 new entrants in 2022/23. In September 2023 15 additional places were introduced in the Pharmacy programme in RCSI.
The costs incurred by HEIs in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety factors including physical capacity, equipment and the individual circumstances of the relevant provider.
When higher education institutions provision doesn't adequately meet national need, a specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required to determine the feasibility of securing the provision of additional places.
The HEA conducted an Expressions of Interest process that sought submissions regarding possible expansion of places in five disciplines including Pharmacy. In June 2023 the Minister for Health and I announced details of the potential options identified under this process. A number of these options require substantial capital investment. I continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process, with investment to be considered in the context of the ongoing review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations.
