Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
102. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures in place to improve retention of graduates in sectors such as nursing and teaching, particularly in light of ongoing workforce shortages. [50259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of supporting graduates in key public service professions such as nursing and teaching to both enter and remain within the workforce, particularly in the context of ongoing workforce pressures.
Retention is principally a matter for employers and line Departments. In the health sector, the Department of Health and the HSE have adopted a strategic approach through the HSE Resourcing Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on retention, workforce wellbeing, career development and clear pathways from education into employment. Measures include the targeted recruitment of Irish-trained graduates into permanent roles, the rollout of a Retention Toolkit, and initiatives such as ‘Project Home’ to support the return of Irish graduates working abroad.
My Department’s role is primarily to support the provision of education and training places across the higher education system. Higher Education Institutions are autonomous in the delivery of their programmes; however, Government has significantly increased investment in priority areas. In nursing and midwifery, over 300 additional places have been introduced since 2022, with further expansion supported through recent Budget measures.
I am currently exploring whether there are potential ways of supporting greater retention of graduates, in return for State support of their higher education programme. My initial focus is on examining whether we could put in place a State-backed loan scheme which would support students undertaking graduate entry medicine, in return for obligatory service in the HSE post-graduation. My Department is currently engaging with other Departments, including the Departments of Health and Finance, to examine what would be required to enable the development of such a scheme.
Looking at the evidence available in the professions referenced by the Deputy, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland "State of the Register 2025", there were 5,136 registrants joining, including Irish and internationally educated nurses and midwives. While there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad, the number of Irish graduates coming onto the Register is steadily increasing year-on-year.
In the education sector, the Department of Education and Youth has highlighted that teaching continues to be an attractive profession, with over 3,600 newly qualified teachers registering in 2025 and low attrition rates, with fewer than 3% leaving contracted posts annually. Measures to support retention include earlier access to permanency through revised Contract of Indefinite Duration arrangements, recognition of overseas experience, and targeted supports such as upskilling programmes and STEM bursaries.
My Department works with the Higher Education Authority and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between provision and workforce needs. Graduate outcomes data indicate strong progression into employment for both nursing and teaching graduates, supporting retention within the system.
