Sean Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval for the activation of 461 additional training places in critical health and social care disciplines between 2025-2028, representing a major step forward in workforce planning to meet rising public sector demand across disability, health, and education services.

The majority of the additional places (320) will come on stream from 2025 and support the training of professionals in nine Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) areas, including:

Physiotherapy (142 new places)
Social Work (85)
Radiography (80)
Dietetics (59)
Radiation Therapy (23)
Medical Science (30)
Occupational Therapy (20)
Podiatry (12)
Speech and Language Therapy (10)

“This investment will significantly enhance access to vital services for people with disabilities and others who depend on highly skilled healthcare professionals,” said Minister Canney. “It is a strong commitment by Government to future proof our workforce and expand training opportunities in line with demographic needs.”

The move is in response to increased CAO applications and growing demand in high-points healthcare courses. A coordinated effort across the Department of Health, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), the Department of Education, and the HSE aims to double the number of healthcare training places in line with Programme for Government commitments.

Clinical placements, a key enabler of this expansion, will be supported through close cooperation with the HSE and the National Educational Therapy Support Service. The HSE has confirmed immediate availability of 20 placements in disability therapy services, with 15 tutor posts to be added to meet growing student needs.

“This is more than a numbers game,” Minister Canney noted. “It’s about creating the right infrastructure – in higher education, clinical settings and support services – to ensure graduates are job-ready and communities get the care they deserve.”

Twenty-four submissions were received across all nine professions and a potential 461 additional places were identified – 320 that can come on stream in 2025, a further 83 for 2026 and 58 in subsequent years. Among the HEIs who submitted proposals were University Galway (Podiatry) and Atlantic Technological University (Physiotherapy).

The costs for the expansion are €13.6 million in Year 1 (2025/26), €9.7 million in Year 2 (2026), €13.6 million in Year 3 (2027), and €11.9 million in Year 4 (2028). The Government has indicated that a recurring ring-fenced fund of €2.4 million will be needed from 2030 onwards to sustain the programme.

Minister Canney stressed the wider impact on public services: “Increasing the number of graduates in these professions will help alleviate staffing shortages in disability, health and education. This will make a real difference in the lives of people with additional needs and in communities struggling to access services.”