Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the number of pharmacists being trained; if he has records of the percentage of graduates who successfully find employment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22031/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The HEA published a study on the demand and need for graduates in Pharmacy in November 1999. The study was undertaken on behalf of the HEA by Peter Bacon and Associates, Economic Consultants. At the time, the only course was in Trinity College Dublin and provided 70 graduates per annum. The Bacon report recommended that at least 50 extra graduates per annum would be required to fill the positions that would exist in the medium term.

Following the Beacon Report 80 new places in pharmacy were allocated. The RCSI course commenced in 2002/03 with an intake of 50 students. This intake was reduced to 30 in 2003/04 when the UCC pharmacy course commenced with an intake of 50 students. There are now 150 places in undergraduate pharmacy for Irish/ EU students.

Fás published a 'Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report' in August 2005 which reviewed the demand for healthcare professionals. In relation to pharmacy, the report stated that the current number of university places, along with re-entry to the market of registered but non-practising pharmacists and immigration will ensure demand keeps pace with supply. The following table shows the First Destination of Graduates of Pharmacy.