Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:79. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the proposed new veterinary school. [26571/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 June 2024
Ceisteanna (79)
Freagraí scríofa
The Higher Education Authority ran a process to identify options to expand higher education provision in a number of priority skills areas, including Veterinary Medicine. Proposals were put forward by a range of higher education institutions under this process. The options identified have the potential to significantly increase the numbers of students who would be able to take up places on Veterinary Medicine programmes.
It is important to say that there would be substantial capital investment required to support the development of any new veterinary school. Consideration is ongoing as to how these capital costs could be met, and I am working with my colleague Minister McConologue on this.
Next steps will involve establishing the available level of funding. At that point the HEA will re-engage with the higher education sector on the potential options, and we will progress to a process to prioritise options considering a range of factors including alignment with skills need, deliverability, regional considerations and value for money.
I would note that my Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions, and Ministerial approval is not required for an institution to establish a new school if they are in the position to fund it.
I am continuing to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on progressing this matter.