Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1248. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the training model where nearly 50% of dental places at UCC and Trinity are sold to non-EU students for over €60,000 per year; to provide an update on the proposed Dental Outreach Centre for north Cork; and to confirm the funding for this project (details supplied). [34977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the significant pressures being experienced in access to dental services and the clear need to increase the supply of dentists, particularly in underserved regions such as the south-west. Expanding dental education capacity is a shared priority under the Programme for Government and the workforce planning work led by the Department of Health and its dedicated Oral health Unit and policies.
In this context, my Department is progressing engagement with UCC and the Department of Health on the proposed community-based Dental Outreach Centre in North Cork, which would support both service delivery and training capacity. Officials met UCC in February 2026 regarding a capital request for refurbishment and specialist equipment. As with all health-linked capital projects, the proposal must proceed through the required capital appraisal processes, including assessment under the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework which is underway. These processes are necessary to ensure value for money, patient safety and alignment with workforce need. Funding has not yet been confirmed and no ring-fencing can occur in advance of its completion.
My officials and the HEA have met UCC a number of times this year to examine maximising Irish/EU student intakes across the proposed new additional capacity. My officials are awaiting updated information and costings from UCC which will inform the assessment of this proposal.
These actions sit alongside the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at RCSI, which commenced in September 2025 with 20 Irish/EU places with capacity to expand to 35 from 2027 subject to approval. Collectively, these measures demonstrate a sustained and focused commitment to prioritising Irish students, strengthening regional provision, and delivering on the objectives of Smile agus Sláinte.
It is important to clarify that while fee income from international students does form part of a mixed funding model that supports the sustainability of high-cost clinical programmes such as dentistry, over 60% of undergraduate dentistry places at UCC, are currently allocated to Irish and EU students.
My Department is actively engaging with the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Health to ensure that expansion efforts are clearly focused on increasing domestic graduate supply for the public system.
