Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 787: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the introduction of grants or scholarships to assist persons who already have a primary degree undertaking a career in medicine bearing in mind that the high entry level points for medicine have prevented many people with a genuine vocation for medicine from obtaining entry to medicine as their primary degree; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20650/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of my Department's Higher Education Grants Scheme, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly tuition fees, under the Free Fees Initiative, are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at the same level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained or whether or not funding was previously awarded. Clause 7.6 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme refers in this regard.

Students embarking on the graduate medicine programme do not qualify for free fees or student support from the Department of Education and Science. However, I have indicated to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) that both RCSI and UL should put in place support mechanisms for disadvantaged students. The HEA has been asked to ensure that offers of places from RCSI and UL are accompanied by clear information on the supports that are available from the colleges to disadvantaged students.

Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level Colleges and Universities in the State and any other E.U. Member State. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the local Revenue Commissioners Office.