More opportunities for Clare healthcare students 

€130 million in funding from the National Training Fund to provide more third level courses will support the growth of the healthcare sector in the Mid West region, according to Clare General Election candidate Leonora Carey.

”The increase in third level places will come from the creation of six new programmes which will provide greater opportunities for Clare students to pursue careers in healthcare. It will also help address critical workforce shortages and enhance healthcare education across the country,” Ms Carey explained.

“University of Limerick will introduce a direct entry medicine programme; the Royal College of Surgeons will receive support for their Dental Surgery programme; University of Galway will introduce a Rural and Remote Graduate Entry Medicine stream, and three new pharmacy programmes will be introduced in ATU, SETU, and University of Galway.

“With these new places we will double the number of pharmacy programmes in Ireland and make pharmacy education available in new regions.

“From own experience as an Occupational Therapy manager with the University of Limerick Hospitals Group, I am aware that working in the healthcare sector is a fulfilling and meaningful career. I know the importance of supporting our students and these additional places will ensure that more young people from Clare can follow their passion into a career in the healthcare sector.

“I have been informed by Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan that this is only the first round of development with more to come, so I look forward to seeing further announcements”, Ms Carey concluded.