Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

New School of Veterinary Medicine: Discussion

Dr. Alan Wall:

It is a fair question. We have a large number of courses, not just veterinary, but medicine is another example and some will think of nursing and pharmacy. They are part of what enhances UCD’s reputation internationally so are important from that point of view. They provide an income aside from the State for UCD veterinary, which is important. This goes to my point about expansion. When we look at expansion, we look at doing it in a sustainable way which does not damage that international piece. It is important to Ireland Inc. that we have a reputation for providing high-grade courses to international students. Expansion requires us to be careful. UCD has indicated that it can expand. The question for us is what that does overall to Ireland Inc’s offering. As a higher education authority, that has to concern us. There is not an easy win here by just deciding we-----