Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
125. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider providing a career pathway for healthcare assistant profession through a third level course, apprenticeship, social care degree or community care degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37633/25]
View answerI recognise the vital role healthcare assistants play across many care settings in Ireland. The development of a career pathway for Health Care Assistants falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health. My officials and I are working closely with officials in the Department of Health to support its workforce planning needs through the provision of additional places across key professions which it has identified. This is also a commitment in the Programme for Government, 2025, Securing Ireland's Future.
Multiple pathways support entry and progression, including QQI Level 5 awards through Further Education and Training (FET) and Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, offered both online and in-person. The 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) provide guidance and support to learners from diverse backgrounds seeking careers in healthcare.
For those wishing to advance, there are NFQ Level 8 healthcare degrees available through courses co-delivered by ETBs and higher education institutions. Applications are managed by the National Tertiary Office.
Since 2021, a Level 6 Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship has been available, with 33 current apprentices and 34 graduates. Additionally, a Level 8 Social Care apprenticeship is in development, led by a consortium including TUSLA and UCC.
Healthcare Assistants can progress vertically into nursing or midwifery via sponsorship programmes or horizontally into allied health assistant roles. My Department is continuing to work closely with the Department of Health and stakeholders to examine and develop the expansion of academic pathways aligned with workforce needs and lifelong learning.
