Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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445. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to tackle the barriers in place that prevent QQI and FETAC graduates in nursing, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and so on from accessing university level education and progressing into their chosen field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2975/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department remains committed to removing barriers to third level education. Creating additional capacity in higher education healthcare programmes will provide greater access for students who hold a QQI/FETAC qualification and my Department is working with the higher education sector and the Department of Health in this regard. Healthcare programmes are by their nature complex in delivery. In particular, securing appropriate long-term placements and placement supports is a key element in unlocking additional provision. It is also crucial that any increases in places are introduced in a sustainable way, so that higher education institutions can build appropriate staffing capacity.

I recognise that the number of applicants for these programmes outstrips the number of places available, no matter what route a student applies for entry. I am committed to exploring options to expand progression opportunities from Further Education to Higher Education in healthcare disciplines such as Nursing, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recently sought expressions of interest (EOIs) from higher education institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary from academic year 2024/25 or 2025/26. The HEA has informed my department that 39 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 20 institutions have proposed to deliver new courses, and 19 institutions are proposing to expand on existing courses in the selected disciplines. Overall, responses represent a rapid, nationwide engagement with the call. A similar process will commence for the therapies area in 2023.

In the further education and training (FET) sector, there are a number of Pre-Nursing , Physiotherapy , and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant courses that allows participants to use to work as an a healthcare assistant or to use the programmes as a foundation for further study in the areas of healthcare and social care. FET is primarily delivered or contracted by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country. An Adult Education Guidance Service is available in each of the 16 ETB’s. The service is confidential and free of charge and can guide potential learners through each stage of the application and can advise which FET courses and supports may be available to them including information about progression opportunities . A full list of Adult Education Guidance Service can be found on the Right Course website www.gov.ie/en/publication/0da49-career-guidance-and-information/

My Department will continue to engage regularly with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Higher Education Authority and the tertiary education sector to identify where additional places can and should be provided in the higher education system to meet critical skills needs.