Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that the location selection process for the proposed new veterinary school is transparent and based on the input of veterinary experts. [5125/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Higher Education Authority (HEA), as the funding and regulatory body for higher education in Ireland, has been working on a process to identify opportunities in the higher education system to build capacity in a number of areas including veterinary. The HEA will be assessing the applications received with an independent panel.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the Statutory Body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland. The Higher Education Authority is engaging with the Veterinary Council as part of their assessment process.

This process, as with all HEA processes, is being conducted to the highest standards and will be externally validated as such, including by an Expert Advisory Panel. I am  due to receive proposals on the matter in quarter one, 2023.