Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1016. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will include an independent expert on veterinary education in the Expert Advisory Panel set up by the HEA to ensure that any new programme of veterinary medicine in relation to the establishment of a new school of veterinary medicine, meets the standards of the regulatory bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12837/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Expressions of Interest is an independent process managed by the Higher Education Authority. I am satisfied that as with all HEA processes, this process is being conducted to the highest standards and will be externally validated. This includes the expert advisory panel.

I understand from the HEA that the panel is comprised of representatives from Government Departments and regulatory and professional bodies that have direct professional experience and/or academic expertise in the relevant disciplines, or knowledge of the higher education system at a senior level.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs and course provision. The accreditation of courses with the relevant regulatory authorities in Ireland and abroad is a matter for individual institutions in line with this autonomy. EU Directive 2005/36/EC provides for mutual recognition of qualifications of a range of professions including veterinary surgeons on the basis of coordinated minimum conditions for training.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the competent authority as regulator with robust accreditation processes to ensure all veterinary training in Ireland meets international standards. Any programmes deemed viable by the HEA will be subject to Veterinary Council of Ireland accreditation processes to validate and ensure high standards of veterinary medicine in Ireland through it's accreditation. Such accreditation enables professional recognition in Ireland which then further affords access to registration in the UK, Europe and Australasia.

The HEA will consider opportunities for new programme provision alongside options for current programme expansion, to determine a final list of options to present to me in the coming weeks.