Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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836. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 2596 of 23 July 2024, if he will respond to further concerns raised by a person (details attached) in respect of undergraduate funding and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36220/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Thank you for bringing to my attention the concerns of your constituent regarding Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programmes in Ireland.

The places in Queens University Belfast (QUB) on Medicine programmes do not include GEM programmes and only applies to students who have not attended third level education previously. Further information regarding the arrangement with QUB is available here:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/5eae4-ministers-harris-and-donnelly-announce-funding-for-additional-medical-places-in-queens-university-belfast-from-september-2024/.

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.

As the Deputy may know, the cost of GEM is something my Department has been examining over a number of years and we have taken a number of steps to respond to the cost of GEM. It is important to note that unlike other second undergraduate degree programmes, the State does provide a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry student places.

The State currently provides a subsidy, via the HEA, to HEIs towards the cost of GEM provision for EU student places. The subsidy provides support for broadening access to GEM programmes by assisting HEIs in providing the courses at lower fee rates for EU students than would otherwise be required for the HEIs to offer the courses on a sustainable basis. In this regard EU GEM students benefit under the arrangements as institutions determine the appropriate tuition fee taking the availability of the State subsidy into account.

In addition, we have introduced a new system where 1916 bursaries that are provided to the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan can be retained throughout their GEM programme.

In terms of other financial assistance available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.

I want to reassure the Deputy that it is my priority to continue to try and make improvements for all students, including GEM students. I will continue to engage with Minister Donnelly on these matters.