Significant third level expansion for key healthcare and therapy areas

 I am delighted to announce that there will be a significant increase in the number of third-level places available in healthcare & therapy courses this coming September.

This year an additional 100 places will be made available for undergraduates in key therapies, including 50 places in Northern Ireland. This includes 24 new places on Speech and Language Therapist courses and 20 new places on Occupational Therapy courses.

Moreover, for the first time, the Minister for Further and Higher Education has announced that we will utilise Post Leaving Cert courses to train speech and language therapist assistants.

These initiatives will enhance the supply of qualified speech and language therapist assistants in the country. This is the most effective way of ensuring that the HSE can provide essential interventions for children and reduce the waiting lists for Assessment of Need. This has been one of my main priorities since disability services were transferred to my Department in March.

I am very pleased to see that we are making use of our PLC courses; this will not only accelerate the availability of therapists but also widen access so that more people can choose this rewarding career path. I believe this is one important step towards improving disability services in Ireland.