18th October 2024
Funding of €130 million unlocked from the National Training Fund will support the growth of the healthcare sector, says Cllr John Paul O Shea.
Cllr. O’ Shea who is running for Fine Gael in the General Election in Cork North West, said the increase in third level places will come from the creation of 6 new programmes.
“I’m delighted to see the increase in healthcare places that students from Cork can apply for.
“These new places will positively impact our healthcare sector and will serve so many communities across Cork where people avail of health services.
“It will help address critical workforce shortages and enhance healthcare education across the country.
“As part of this initiative, following recommendations from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), several universities will establish new programmes in areas of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry.
“University of Limerick will introduce a direct entry medicine programme, the Royal College of Surgeons will receive support for their Dental Surgery programme, University of Galway will introduce a Rural and Remote Graduate Entry Medicine stream, and three new pharmacy programmes will be introduced in ATU, SETU, and University of Galway.
“With these new places we will double the number of pharmacy programmes in Ireland and make pharmacy education available in new regions.
“Working in the healthcare sector is a fulfilling and meaningful career, so I’m delighted that students in Cork will be able to avail of these additional places.
“Minister O’Donovan has confirmed that this is only the first round of development with more to come, so I look forward to seeing further announcements.
“Fine Gael and Minister Patrick O’Donovan know the importance of supporting our students and these additional places will ensure students can follow their passion into a career in healthcare”, concluded Cllr. O’Shea
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