Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
267. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the necessary funding will be provided to the dental school in UCC who have submitted proposed to the Department for the expansion of their training programme, which would involve the development of a new hub in which additional students could be trained and practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to increasing healthcare training places, including in dentistry, in line with the Programme for Government. In consultation with the Department of Health, dentistry has been identified as a priority area requiring additional graduates to meet growing demand, strengthen oral healthcare services, and support the objectives of both Sláintecare and the Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy.
While higher education institutions are autonomous in their academic and enrolment decisions, my Department works closely with them, the Higher Education Authority, and the Department of Health to support sustainable expansion in priority areas.
In that context, my officials met with University College Cork in February of this year to discuss in detail its proposal to establish a community-based dental outreach centre in North Cork, and to advance this important project. Engagement has continued since that meeting and an update is awaited from UCC.
The proposal, which includes a request for capital investment from the Department of Health would support an increase in undergraduate dental training capacity and provide students with earlier clinical exposure in primary care settings.
The proposal is currently progressing through the necessary capital appraisal processes. The Department of Health has advised UCC to work with the HSE to formalise the project for evaluation. Until this process is complete, it is not possible to confirm funding or timelines. However, I can assure the Deputy that the proposal is being actively progressed with a view to maximising additional places for Irish and EU students.
This initiative complements the new dentistry programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which commenced this year with an additional 20 student places and has capacity to expand by a further 15 places from 2027, subject to approvals.
I remain committed to working with all stakeholders to increase dental training capacity in a sustainable and strategic manner.
