Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
372. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the necessary funding will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70790/25]
View answerThis Government is firmly committed to ensuring that our healthcare system is supported by a steady and sustainable pipeline of highly skilled graduates.
I understand that the Department of Health has received a proposal from University College Cork seeking €4.7 million in capital funding to establish a dental outreach centre. This would enable training of an additional 10 undergraduate dental students annually. UCC currently admits approximately 50 dentistry students annually (25 EU, 25 non-EU). Outreach would increase this to approximately 60 and allow for additional dental hygienist and dental nursing places.
As the proposal in question was submitted to the Department of Health, the decision on capital funding will be made by that Department. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Health, my Department and UCC to progress this proposal and maximise Irish/EU places to ensure value for money.
Separately, UCC is refurbishing its Dental School and Hospital at a cost of €15 million, co-funded by the Department of Health and UCC. This aligns with Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy and Programme for Government commitments.
The Government is committed to expanding dental training capacity to meet growing oral healthcare needs. Until recently, only about 55 places were available annually for Irish and EU dentistry students. Targeted expansion of training in key healthcare areas has resulted in the establishment of a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), starting in 2025. This programme commenced with 20 places in 2025, which will rise to 28 in 2026 and 35 in 2027. This represents a landmark 60% increase in dental training places for Irish and EU students.
