Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before the commercial decision of the bank was made, I had already had a number of very useful meetings with students of graduate entry medicine. They made points like those made by the Deputy. From my former role as Minister for Health, I think that diversity in professions, and in the medical profession, is a good thing. I also think that diverse routes of entry into medicine are good. There is an idea that everyone must start the course immediately after finishing school. However, it may be advantageous to actually have doctors who have studied something else, for example, science or occupational therapy, and go on to study medicine. There is a policy benefit from the health service's point of view as well. Being honest, I think that as a Department and a Government, we need to do more in supporting those who take the graduate entry medicine route. It is complex, because the course is a level 8 course. We need to ensure that there is no contagion or unintended policy consequences. We already provide some financial assistance towards the costs for students. There are options to do more. We are looking at whether we can do more in the context of the budget and the SUSI review. What I am saying, in the round, is that it would be very useful if the bank did not immediately withdraw this product, which has created a cliff edge that is causing a lot of stress and anxiety for students and potential students.

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