The data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached spreadsheet which was sourced from the statistics section of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and rounded to the nearest 5 (or multiple of) in line with their data policy.
The most recent data available from the HEA is from the last academic year and therefore does not include the new programmes from September 2025 in the University of Galway or the Atlantic Technological University. There is also another new programme which is due to commence in September 2026 in the South East Technological University.
My Department provides student data collected by the HEA to the Department of Health, who utilise this data for their workforce planning projections. The Department of Health then advise my Department regarding additional places required in the tertiary education system. It is worth noting that a significant amount of expansion has been achieved to date across all healthcare disciplines, including Pharmacy, and my Department will continue to work with the HEA, Department of Health and the HSE to continue this important work.
My Department does not currently produce specific projections regarding third level enrolments by discipline or profession. Further information regarding projections for higher education enrolment is available here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/projections/#third-level.Pharmacy Data Irish Domicile.
