Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Crowe for raising this matter. The delivery of healthcare education programmes is complex and requires multiple parts of the health and education system working together. Practice education is a fundamental part of a student’s learning experience. The Department of Health provides supports to the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure essential practice placements are available for HSCP students.

It is recognised that many students in higher education experience financial difficulties. Consequently, a number of student grants and other financial supports are available to students in further and higher education. In budget 2025, there was a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students who are eligible for free fees. The Department of further and higher education provides student grants to eligible applicants attending approved full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Grants include maintenance grants, fees grants and student contribution grants. Budget 2024 increased the value of all maintenance grants. Students who are not eligible for a maintenance grant may still be eligible for a student contribution grant, which could cover the full student contribution charge, 50% of the charge or provide a €500 grant towards same. The income thresholds to qualify for the grants were increased in budget 2025 and the higher thresholds will come into effect in September of this year. In addition, students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the student assistance fund, which has been subvented by a further €10 million under the Government’s cost of education supports in budget 2025. This fund can be used to meet costs such as childcare, rent, transport costs, books and class materials.

The Senator raised a specific point in respect of the HSE, which I will bring back to the Minister for Heath, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.