Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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49. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's plans to keep the reduction in student capitation. [14648/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, students eligible for the Free Fees Initiative have their tuition fees paid by the State, exclusive of the student contribution. Over 143,000 undergraduate students benefit from the scheme each year, at a cost of over €368 million. This universal scheme is paid as a grant on behalf of students without any means testing. Students pay a student contribution of €3,000 per academic year. However, the State pays this contribution, fully or partially, for a significant number of students who qualify for SUSI grant support.

The Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution in a financially sustainable manner, over the lifetime of this Government. As part of the cost-of-living packages in the last three budgets, the student contribution was reduced by €1,000, at a net cost of circa €99 million per annum.

My Department is planning to hold the annual cost of education event next month. This event will be attended by students, representatives of the student population, access officers, student services employees, people who work with students on a day-to-day basis, organisations who advocate for underrepresented students in education and policy makers. It will serve as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues.

After the event, I intend to publish an annual options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education. This will inform decisions ahead of Budget 2026.

I remain committed to easing the financial burden on students and families in a financially sustainable way.

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the third level fee supports that exist for graduate medicine students attending third level college in Ireland; if none are in place, to outline plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14503/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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 terms of student supports, there is provision, through my Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, of 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.