John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1028. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware that the biomedical science degree programmes at University College Dublin are currently not accredited by CORU, the national regulator for health and social care professionals; the steps being taken to ensure that current students are not disadvantaged by this lack of accreditation; if he will engage with UCD and CORU to ensure that an application for accreditation is submitted without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39329/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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PQRef: 39329/25

The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in question are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. As autonomous bodies with academic and administrative freedom, each institution is responsible for its own policies and programme development.

It is a matter for each individual HEI to determine the intended outcomes for its programmes including if they are to be primarily academic/research focused or where such programmes are to be for the purposes of access to a regulated profession. In the latter case, the HEI must design its programmes in alignment with the regulatory standards set out by the relevant competent authority for that profession, including incorporating any clinical placement or practice requirements, and seek that authority’s independent statutory approval, in this case CORU. As Minister, I have no role in either function. However, via Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an aegis body of my Department, a forum is in place to support, promote and facilitate closer engagement between HEIs and Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies on these matters.

When choosing a programme to study, it is essential that learners have the necessary information to make informed choices. This is even more critical if the learner is seeking to work in a regulated profession after graduation. This information should be available first and foremost from each HEI but if in doubt, learners should engage directly with the HEI for clarification and to discuss their options. Regulatory Bodies also make information available on their regulatory requirements, approved courses, and the pathways to practice the professions under their remit. For those learners who are at an advanced stage of their studies on a programme that is not accredited and who wish to pursue a career within the regulated profession in question, engagement with the regulator will inform the options and pathways available to them.