Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1272. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to increase the number of dentistry places available in Irish universities. [40184/21]

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1294. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of student places available for young persons who wish to study dentistry in each third-level institution respectively, in tabular form. [40924/21]

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the shortage of dentistry places for students and the extremely high points needed to access this field of study (details supplied) and particularly in relation to the distinct lack of qualified dentists in Ireland; if he will consider providing more student places for those wishing to pursue a career in dentistry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40925/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1272, 1294 and 1295 together.

In light of high number of CAO applications this year, and the pressures faced by the Leaving Certificate students of 2021, my officials have been working with the HEA and the higher education institutions to identify where there is scope for additional places to be provided for the 2021/2022 academic year. However there are real, material limits on the number of places in courses such as dentistry due to the practical nature of such courses and the specialized equipment involved.

The exact number of places in individual courses is a matter for the higher education institutions in line with their autonomy, and my Department does not hold this information.