Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
385. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress, if any, in discussions with Ulster University in relation to support for students studying medicine at the Magee campus who would then return to the south to work in the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25974/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely aware, in February this year, an agreement was reached with Queen's University Belfast, for the funding of twenty five additional medical places for qualifying students from Ireland or Northern Ireland in Queen's commencing from September 2024.
These places will be co-funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Health. Students who take up one of these places will commit to applying and accepting, if offered, a position in the HSE as an intern at the end of their studies.
Ulster University offers a graduate entry medicine programme, but not a direct entry programme. For this reason, there is no similar agreement with Ulster University.
Last year the Government in this jurisdiction funded 140 additional places in Ulster University across nursing and allied healthcare disciplines. My Department is continuing to work with UU to extend these arrangements this year.
