Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2024
317. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to upgrade the dental school in University College Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the capacity of Irish dental schools to increase dental graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
My officials are working closely with the Department of Health to expand the healthcare workforce capacity of the country, including oral healthcare.
My Department does not place a quota on dental courses, and therefore the number of places offered is a matter for the higher education institutions, in line with their autonomy. However, I do acknowledge that due to a high level of practical work there can be material constraints on the number of students that can be accepted onto dentistry courses.
This Department works collaboratively with all higher education institutions on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans.
As an autonomous body, it is a matter for UCC to prioritise its capital projects, and in recent competitive funding rounds for capital funding by the State, other priorities have been put forward ahead of the dental school by the university.
My understanding is that UCC have taken a decision to invest €15 million to refurbish the existing building to address the physical infrastructure deficits in the existing Dental School and Hospital.
The HEA ran an exercise to identify options for the creation of additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including Dentistry. A number of dentistry options, including the expansion to provision in UCC were identified. These options are reliant on additional capital investment.
I am continuing to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance this process.
