Concerns Arise Regarding the Timeline for Establishing a New Veterinary School
A group of professionals in the field of veterinary medicine has expressed worries that the available timeframe for establishing a new veterinary school in time for the start of the academic year in 2024 is becoming increasingly limited.
Dr. Jimmy Quinn, a member of the Working Group for Reform in Irish Veterinary Education, has stated that there is currently no clear plan or schedule for the establishment of a second veterinary school.
An announcement was made in June suggesting that it could be possible to train an additional 230 veterinarians annually. Presently, veterinary medicine programs are exclusively offered at University College Dublin (UCD).
There are potential plans for new programs at the University of Limerick (UL), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and South East Technological University (SETU).
Timing is crucial, Dr. Quinn noted, as the Central Applications Office (CAO) offers are being extended to students completing their leaving certificate exams. This is also a significant time for students considering studying veterinary medicine in other parts of Europe or in the UK.
“We advised them to stick with their existing arrangements because there has been no concrete announcement here giving an indication as to when a new school will start,” he said.
“At a time when school leavers are making decisions about their education paths, it’s concerning that there is no information available confirming the establishment of a second school by 2024. Our efforts persist. We have substantial support within the profession, among farmers, and from secondary-level students to make this a reality. We’ll continue our efforts until the new school becomes a reality,” he added.
The group is optimistic that a positive announcement regarding funding allocation for the second veterinary school will be made in the upcoming budget. Dr. Quinn emphasized that the demand for such a school remains consistent and ongoing.
Response from the Department
The department responsible for education has stated that it is actively collaborating with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan (NDP) Delivery, and Reform, to plan the next steps in this process.
Previously, the government committed to advancing this initiative by providing funding for new programs, which will be considered in the context of budgetary procedures and the NDP review.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA), which has been assessing the potential for expanding tertiary-level programs, has been in dialogue with all relevant institutions, as per the department’s statement.
We do hope that the information we were able to provide you is helpful. Check out other unique articles on our blog for more detailed information and do well to share with your friends and family. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with premium details.
Please leave any comments or questions in the area given below.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in AgriTalker are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AgriTalker. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
Information is presented to the best of our knowledge and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability concerning the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Therefore, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
EXTRA: Be sure to consistently check https://www.agritalker.com/ for an abundance of valuable resources, including tips, news, and updates on agriculture and farming practices to stay informed and enhance your expertise in the field.
