Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I assure the Deputy, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Lawless, that we are committed to responding proactively to future workforce requirements, including dentists and all other professionals required within the oral healthcare sector. We are working in strong partnership with the Department of Health, the HEA and the higher education providers to ensure our education and training system supports the delivery of a modern, sustainable and people-centred health service.

The Deputy mentioned UCC. The Department of Health has received a strong proposal from University College Cork, requesting €4.7 million in capital funding to establish a dental outreach centre that would enable the training of an additional ten undergraduate dental students annually, particularly benefiting Irish and EU students. This initiative will offer students earlier clinical exposure in real-world primary care settings, which enhances their skills and readiness upon graduation. Discussions are currently ongoing between the Department of Health and my Department to try to progress this proposal with a view to maximising Irish and EU places to obtain value for money for this proposal. Officials from my Department, the Department of Health and the HEA are meeting UCC next week to discuss the proposal. I expect to have more information and can give a further update to the Deputy after that date.

The Minister, Deputy Lawless, is visiting UCC next week for a separate engagement, and he looks forward to discussing this proposal and other important future developments with the UCC president.

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