Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ensuring a supply of qualified vets is an important issue for my Department. While my Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses, the reality is that there are constraints in current capacity. This reflects the fact that programmes involve significant practical and placement requirements, and facilities, including appropriate laboratory facilities, to ensure programmes meet the necessary standards of the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

In recognition of this capacity constraint, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) ran a process to identify where capacity could be built in the higher education sector in a number of priority disciplines including veterinary medicine. In June, Minister McConalogue and I, along with Minister Donnelly, announced the findings of the report. The report identified potential expansion in existing programmes in UCD as well as potential places in new programmes in Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University and the University of Limerick. These proposals are currently being considered by Government within the context of Budgetary Processes and the National Development Plan review.

Minister McConalogue and I, as well as officials from both Departments including the Chief Veterinary Officer, are continuing to engage in discussions regarding these opportunities identified by the HEA.