Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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572. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken any action in response to the repeated call in August 2025 by an association (details supplied) for a cap on the number of international students studying dentistry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22071/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to increasing healthcare training places, including dentistry, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.

The Department of Health, has advised that dentistry is a priority area requiring additional supply of graduates. My officials and the HEA are working to support the Department of Health to expand opportunities for Irish students, particularly given the demand for oral healthcare and the need to reduce waiting lists for dental treatment in Ireland.

It is important to note that Higher Education Institutions are autonomous under the relevant legislation and manage their own administrative and academic affairs, including their enrolment policies. The inclusion of international students across programmes plays an important role in supporting programmes. However my officials are engaging to ensure an appropriate balance on programmes which are required to address specific public service skills needs including medicine and dentistry. The current proportion of Irish/EU students in undergraduate dentistry is over 60%.

My Department is actively engaging with UCC and the Department of Health on a proposal to establish a dental outreach centre in North Cork. My officials met with UCC again in February to progress this proposal, with a view to maximising the number of Irish/EU students on the proposed expanded programme. An update is awaited from UCC in this regard. It also follows a community-based model of education, giving students earlier clinical exposure in primary care settings, which enhances their readiness for practice.

These developments complement the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland which commenced last September with 20 places for Irish/EU students. The intake in this programme has capacity to increase to 35 from 2027, subject to approvals.

We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to maximise the number of dental training places available to Irish and EU students, and to ensure sustainable expansion of dental education to meet workforce needs. This approach aligns with the Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy and our broader commitment to a modern, accessible health system. I am open to a meeting with the association to discuss this and ask that they reach out to my office in this regard.