4162. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of radiation therapy places in Irish third level institutes in each of the years from the 2019/2020 academic year to 2025-2026 academic year, by third level institute, in tabular form; to outline any planned increases for the upcoming academic year and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58064/26]

4208. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of radiation therapy places in Irish third level institutes in each of the years from the 2019-2020 academic year to 2025-2026 academic year, by third level institute, in tabular form; the planned increases for the upcoming academic year and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58067/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4162 and 4208 together.

Expanding the number of places available on Health and Social Care Profession programmes is a significant priority for my Department. Recent additionality included five places on the Radiation Therapy programme in Trinity College Dublin in September 2023 and three places in University College Cork last year.

There are particular issues at play which can constrain expansion in Radiation Therapy relating to the securing of additional placements and practice tutors in the health sector. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health and the HSE to expand provision in the higher education sector for these disciplines to provide skilled graduates to meet acute skills shortages, including radiation therapy.

The data requested by the Deputy is detailed at the link below. This data was sourced from the HEA student records system (SRS). Student enrolment data for the academic year 2025/2026 is not yet available.

Radiation Therapy student enrolments