Harris: New college places will mean 'top-performing' students are not forced to study abroad  

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, and  Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue announcing plans to increase the number of veterinary and healthcare college places. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

New college places in healthcare and veterinary medicine have the potential to reduce the number of "top performing" Irish students forced to study abroad, according to the Minister for Further and Higher Education.

Simon Harris was speaking as he, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue announced plans to significantly increase healthcare and veterinary medicine training here.