849. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide details on the process that decides approval for the provision of new or additional pharmacy faculties and course development; and if new courses will be approved in the technological sector before March 2025. [42797/24]

The Higher Education Authority ran a process to identify options to expand higher education provision in a number of priority skills areas, including pharmacy. Proposals were put forward by a range of higher education institutions under this process.

On 18th October 2024, following recommendations received from the HEA, I announced a series of programmes for advancement in Pharmacy, as well as Medicine and Dentistry. I was very pleased to announce the introduction of new Pharmacy programmes in the Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, and University of Galway, which will double the number of pharmacy training programmes in Ireland. At full roll-out this will provide more than 150 additional pharmacy graduates per year.

This announcement I believe demonstrates the shared ambition and commitment of the government and the higher education sector to improving healthcare for those in our communities, and providing students with more opportunities to study in Ireland for those who are passionate to work in healthcare professions.

The first intake on these new programmes is planned for September 2025. The HEA has informed my Department that the relevant Higher Education Institutes have commenced the process of developing the curriculum for these programmes and a period of necessary engagement with relevant professional and regulatory bodies is now underway.