In July, our Government approved the prioritisation of funding to support the expansion of training places in priority healthcare areas including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
This will contribute to delivering expansion in the region of 35% in these vital disciplines over the next two academic years.
Additional places commencing in September 2024 include expanded intakes on Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Podiatric Medicine programmes in University of Galway, Physiotherapy in RCSI and the introduction of an undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme in University of Limerick.
Minister Rabbitte said:
Investing in our specialist health professionals through higher education is paramount for advancing healthcare and improving population health. I have prioritised delivery of these places since coming into office.
A well-educated and skilled healthcare workforce is essential for addressing complex health challenges, developing innovative treatments, and delivering high-quality care.
By providing and supporting meaningful specialised training programs, our third level institutions can cultivate experts in various medical fields, ensuring a robust healthcare system capable of meeting the evolving needs of patients.
Medical Research
and she continued:
Furthermore, such investments contribute to medical research, leading to breakthroughs that benefit our society as a whole. A strong emphasis on higher education for healthcare professionals is vital for building a healthier future
The Government decision will also see strengthened infrastructure within the HSE to support effective interlinkages between the higher education and healthcare systems and enable increased training capacity.
Occupational Therapy
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan highlighted the significance of this initiative:
The prioritisation of funding for these programmes underscores Government’s commitment to addressing critical needs in our healthcare system.
By expanding these programmes, we are not only enhancing educational opportunities for our students but also ensuring that our healthcare system is equipped with the necessary professionals to meet future demands and that individuals with disabilities have access to the vital services they need.
This investment in education and healthcare is a win-win for our society.
I would like to thank the University of Galway and other institutions for their commitment to delivering this expansion.
Speech and Language Therapy
The Government decision will also see strengthened infrastructure within the HSE to support effective interlinkages between the higher education and healthcare systems and enable increased training capacity.
Minister Donnelly said:
Increasing our future supply of health professionals to meet the needs of our health service is a key priority for me and this Government.
Last year we delivered significant expansion in healthcare places, with over 460 additional student places being provided in medicine, nursing and midwifery, and other key healthcare courses in Higher Education Institutions in Ireland.
It is clear that we need to go much further.
And, as I have said before, we need to double our healthcare college places.
The planned student expansion in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, is a welcome development and we expect to be announcing additional places in respect of other disciplines in the near future.
