Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
607. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of audiologists graduating annually; the number recruited into HSE posts in each of the past five years; and whether training capacity will be expanded to meet rising demand. [18187/26]
View answerI understand the challenges faced across our health and disability services in securing an adequate supply of qualified audiologists, and the impact this has on both staff and service users. Ensuring sustainable workforce provision across all Health and Social Care Professions remains a core priority for my Department and for Government.
With regard to the supply of graduates, clinical audiology training in Ireland is delivered through the two-year full-time MSc in Audiology at University College Cork. This is the designated professional route recognised by the HSE. Since 2021, the programme has produced ten graduates each year, according to data provided by the Higher Education Authority.
In relation to HSE recruitment, the Department of Health has informed me that there has been a significant strengthening of the audiology workforce in recent years. Between December 2019 and January 2026, the number of whole-time equivalent audiologists employed by the HSE has increased from 66 WTEs to 104 WTEs - an increase of 38 WTEs.
More broadly, the Government has already undertaken the most substantial expansion of Health and Social Care Profession training places in many years. Since 2023, training capacity across these disciplines has grown by 61%, including the creation of 460 additional places in 2025 through the last Higher Education Authority Expression of Interest process.
However, clinical placement capacity remains the key constraint in further expanding therapy and HSCP programmes, including audiology. The HEA has now completed a national mapping exercise of placement availability in collaboration with the HSE, which is directly informing future expansion planning.
I want to emphasise that my Department and the HEA are preparing to launch a new Expression of Interest (EOI) in 2026. This process will support further growth in key disciplines, including those relevant to disability and community services. Audiology has been identified as one of the key areas for possible expansion.
This work is being carried out on a cross-Government basis involving DFHERIS, the Department of Health, the HSE and the HEA, ensuring that education provision aligns with workforce demand, including in disability services, community supports, and the Education Therapy Service.
My Department will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that future training capacity, whether in audiology or in other therapy and HSCP disciplines, supports the delivery of sustainable, high-quality services across the country.
