Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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2596.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to respond to concerns raised in respect of GEM fees (details supplied). [31050/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, graduate entry medicine (GEM) is a pathway for degree holders who want to pursue a medical career on an accelerated four year programme.

Students pursuing GEM programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding. They are also not eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme as they do not meet the progression criteria of the Scheme.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The total level of fees to be charged in the case of GEM fees are therefore solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.

There are supports in place for students undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine Programmes. While the Free Fees Initiative does notmeet fees in respect of students who are completing a second undergraduate degree, which includes Graduate Entry Medicine, unlike for other second undergraduate degree programmes, the State does provide a subsidy to institutions towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry medicine student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the institution themselves taking the availability of this subsidy into account.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan.

Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.

Students on GEM programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education.