18. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the assignment of a new pharmacy school to applicant universities to address the significant shortfall of pharmacists working in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39801/24]

Increasing the number of places on key health and social care programmes is a priority for my Department. In October 2022, the Higher Education Authority sought proposals from higher education institutions interested in building capacity in a number of critical disciplines, including Pharmacy. The HEA assessed the proposals for new programmes with assistance from a panel of experts. The panel was comprised of representatives from relevant Government Departments and regulatory and professional bodies that have direct professional experience and/or academic expertise in the relevant disciplines, or knowledge of the higher education system at a senior level.?This included the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.? The HEA process examined the feasibility and viability of proposals and has produced a set of costed options for consideration, subject to normal public spending code and capital project governance processes in respect of associated capital proposals. Stemming from the HEA process, in September I announced the locations of the two new schools of Veterinary Medicine, and I expect to be in a position very shortly to make a very significant announcement in relation to the expansion of healthcare provision, including the provision of a substantial number of additional places in Pharmacy.

I will continue to work with the education sector and the Department of Health to provide further expansion of places in the area of Pharmacy in higher education.