127. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is engaging with HSE management regarding the critical skills shortages in several key areas of the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49819/26]

I recognise the very real pressures faced across the health system arising from workforce shortages in a number of key areas, particularly in community, disability and acute services. Addressing these challenges requires sustained, coordinated action across Government.

My Officials are leading on a significant cross government work programme with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector as part of a whole-of-system approach to healthcare workforce planning. This collaboration is central to ensuring that education and training systems are aligned with service needs, including through joint workforce modelling, programme development and clinical placement planning.

Significant progress has been made in recent years. Since 2022, Government has overseen a substantial expansion in healthcare education capacity, supported by multi-annual investment and coordinated engagement with the HSE and other stakeholders. In particular, training capacity across key Health and Social Care Professions has increased by approximately 61% since 2023, with major growth in disciplines such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy - areas critical to disability and community services.

This expansion is continuing. Additional places have been introduced across a wide range of healthcare programmes through the CAO, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and therapy disciplines. In 2026, a further 50 additional undergraduate medical places will be delivered, while new programmes in areas such as veterinary medicine and pharmacy in the South East and West will broaden regional access and capacity. Engagement with higher education institutions is ongoing in relation to further expansion for 2026 and beyond.

In parallel, targeted cross-border arrangements with institutions in Northern Ireland, including Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, are supporting additional training places in medicine, nursing and allied health professions, complementing domestic provision.

Notwithstanding this progress, workforce modelling undertaken jointly with the Department of Health, the HSE and the HEA confirms that shortages remain, particularly in disability services, children’s services, and community-based care. A key constraint on further expansion is the availability of clinical placements, which depends on service capacity within the health system. Addressing this issue is a central focus of ongoing engagement between my Department and the HSE.

To support the next phase of expansion, the HEA has launched an Expression of Interest process in 2026 for disability therapies and aligned clinical professions including but not limited to, Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, education psychology, dietetics, medical science, podiatry, designed to align future programme growth with verified workforce demand, clinical placement capacity and regional service needs. This process is being informed by continued cross-departmental engagement, including direct consultation with the HSE and higher education providers.

In conclusion, my Department is actively engaged with the HSE and other stakeholders as part of a coordinated national response to healthcare workforce shortages. While significant progress has been made in expanding training capacity, further targeted and sustainable expansion will be required, and this remains a priority for Government.