Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On that, we have to be honest. The graduate medical entry programme was introduced to try to diversify the medical profession. We also have to be truthful that in recent years we have seen points for undergraduate medicine places skyrocket to the point that accessing those courses became prohibitive for many. People could achieve the best points possible in the leaving certificate and still only go into a random selection lottery for a place. We have tried to break that cycle via a very significant increase in undergraduate medicine places. The all-island approach coming next year will help further, with additional places in this jurisdiction. That has seen the points for undergraduate medicine places fall.

The Deputy is right to be slightly confused because it is a little bit confusing. The answer to the parliamentary question is entirely correct. Universities set the fees, as they do for any second undergraduate degree or postgraduate programme. The State makes a contribution towards the cost. We have increased the subsidy we are providing. Universities have not reduced their part of the fee. That is a matter for them. The fact is that the State subsidised these courses by €11,950 between 2021 and 2022 and the figure is now €15,500 for new graduate entry medicine places from this year.

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