Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1057. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are being taken to ensure that all students of the BSc in paramedics studies in the University of Limerick can undertake their 12-month internship in an emergency ambulance with the National Ambulance Service, instead of having to complete this required internship in the UK as is currently the case; if he has engaged with UL and the NAS in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the University of Limerick that work is ongoing between the University and the National Ambulance Service and progressing positively with regard to paramedic students being in a position to undertake their 52-week, post graduate, Internship (in Year 2 of their programme) with the National Ambulance Service . 

University of Limerick BSc in Paramedic Studies students undertake a range of undergraduate, clinical placements in Semester 2 of Year 1 of the programme in hospital, community settings and in Emergency and Intermediate Care ambulance settings. Currently UL paramedic students undertake their Year 1 undergraduate Emergency Ambulance placements with the National Ambulance Service . 

One of the issues needing careful consideration when planning placements and internships is capacity for National Ambulance Services' own students to complete their emergency ambulance placements and internships. The National Ambulance Service have advised the University that a body of work is currently ongoing from a workforce planning perspective to ensure capacity for not only National Ambulance Service students but also University of Limerick Paramedic students. 

Planning for current and future public sector skills needs is a priority for my department. My Department is not in a position to specify the workforce planning demand requirements for any discipline – this must come from the relevant line Department. Officials are engaging with a number of government departments to determine the needs of their sectors in respect of crucial skill area and issues in the control of the health sector - such as placements - are part of these discussions.