Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For the academic year 2022-23, UCC had an intake of 50 and Trinity had 45, so the total is 100 or thereabouts. I do not disagree. This goes back to much of what the previous contributor asked about with regard to workforce planning. These are the dialogues we are having in respect of not only dentists but also pharmacists, vets, carpenters, builders and bricklayers. Regardless of the discipline, this is the area of conversation, whether in higher education or further education, about the capital requirements, the teaching requirements and the support requirements. Building a new school is not just a capital investment, which both Deputies will appreciate, and an ongoing cost is associated with it, which we will build in as we look to expand the various disciplines that are available in our colleges of further and higher education. We will examine the issue and I will revert to Deputy Stanton, by email or letter, once I have had a chance to meet the UCC authorities.

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