Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In considering matters raised it is important to note that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work places and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), in line with their autonomy.

Currently, six higher education institutes have accredited programmes providing professional qualifications in social work across undergraduate and post-graduate level programmes. The most recent student number data from the HEA indicates that the courses under reference, collectively, had circa 720 enrolments in 2022/23.

HEIs, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own academic affairs including the curriculum and student numbers on individual courses. The costs incurred by HEIs in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant provider.

Where the State seeks to see an increase in student numbers in a particular field of study, a specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required to determine the feasibility of securing the provision of additional places. An engagement process allows for a deeper consideration of wider issues such as existing capacity; staffing requirements; availability of placements or capital investment in buildings and equipment. It is therefore, not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought in the absence of a specific engagement with the sector.