Conor D McGuinness
Question:27. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the veterinary and pharmacy courses at SETU. [14633/25]
View answerThursday, 27 March 2025
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As was announced in 2024, a Master of Pharmacy and a Veterinary Medicine degree in South East Technological University have been recommended for progression under the HEA Expression of Interest process. It is anticipated that these programmes will have their first intake in September 2026, with up to 40 students on each programme. Engagement with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and Veterinary Council of Ireland is ongoing in relation to professional accreditation of these new programmes.
The introduction of these programmes is significant both for the south east region and nationally. The programmes will help to meet the skills demands of the veterinary and healthcare sectors and contribute to the retention and development of the vibrant agricultural and pharma industry base in the region.
As you can appreciate delivery of these programmes is complex. Regulatory and curricular approval, staffing, equipment and laboratory facilities must be in place before they can be opened for application. Admissions criteria and entry routes will be determined by the Universities and will be published when the programmes open for application.
SETU has a strong track record of undergraduate education and research activity in disciplines such as Agricultural Science, Animal Health and Welfare, Food Science, Biosciences, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science and Healthcare, and I am very pleased to see that they are building on this expertise as they provide opportunities for students in the region to train veterinarians and pharmacists.