4076. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific actions and approvals required to enable the proposed BSc (Hons) in Optometry at South East Technological University, Waterford to accept its first student intake in September 2027. [62521/26]

4080. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether recurrent Exchequer funding has been approved or provisionally allocated for the proposed initial intake of students to the BSc (Hons) in Optometry at South East Technological University, Waterford in September 2027; if not, the date by which a decision on such funding must be made to permit recruitment and admission of students for the 2027/2028 academic year; and whether capital or other funding has been identified for the specialist teaching and clinical facilities required for the programme. [62522/26]

4117. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if permanent specialist accommodation cannot be completed by September 2027 at SETU Waterford Campus, if he will outline his commitment to his Department facilitating an interim accommodation model, as it has done for SETU veterinary medicine, in order that the first optometry intake is not delayed at SETU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  [62523/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4076, 4080 and 4117 together.

Ireland continues to experience a shortage of optometrists, with workforce modelling undertaken by the Department of Health indicating a requirement for approximately 62 new optometry training places annually by 2030. Currently, optometry education is provided through a single programme at Technological University Dublin, which I am advised has capacity to enrol approximately 30 to 35 students each year. Demand for optometry education remains strong, with the existing programme continuing to attract high levels of student interest.

While optometry has been identified as an area in which workforce growth will be required to meet future service needs, it has not been categorised a priority skill need. To date, targeted expansion under the cross-government expression of interest processes, have supported additional capacity in areas such as disability therapies, health and social care professions, nursing, pharmacy and medicine. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Health to identify critical needs and to continue to expand delivery of training to meet these needs.

I understand that South East Technological University (SETU) has commenced preparatory work in relation to the potential development of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Optometry. This work includes curriculum development, engagement with the relevant professional and regulatory bodies, consideration of facility requirements, and planning for programme delivery.

As autonomous higher education institutions, universities and technological universities are responsible for determining their own academic portfolios and for the development, validation, accreditation and governance of programmes. The initiation and progression of a new programme is therefore a matter for the institution concerned, subject to compliance with relevant regulatory and quality assurance requirements. In that context, it is open to SETU, or any other higher education institution, to bring forward proposals for new programmes in response to identified educational, societal or workforce needs.

Any proposal for a new optometry programme at SETU would be subject to the University's own internal approval processes and would also need to satisfy all relevant regulatory, quality assurance and professional accreditation requirements. In addition, a new programme would need to demonstrate sustainable demand, appropriate clinical placement capacity, access to specialist academic and clinical expertise, and the availability of suitable teaching and clinical facilities.

While my Department recognises the workforce challenges identified in relation to optometry, any State-funded targeted expansion of training places would ordinarily arise through a request from the Department of Health identifying the discipline as a priority area for investment through future expression of interest processes.

I welcome consideration of additional optometry training capacity, particularly outside Dublin, given the identified workforce requirements and the potential contribution that increased regional provision could make to strengthening community-based eye care services and supporting Sláintecare objectives. My officials will continue to engage with SETU, the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders in relation to any future developments that may emerge in this area