Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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429. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of extending the free fees initiative to cover graduate entry medicine students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28057/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that 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 funding under the Free Fees Initiative. 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 (HEIs) 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 development of a scheme or the adjustment of existing schemes, to provide for graduate entry medicine tuition fees supports, would require a specific engagement with providers to agree terms and conditions, including funding arrangements and student numbers. In this regard it is not possible to provide an estimated potential cost associated with introducing a specific scheme or amending the Free Fees Initiative, to provide for free tuition fees for all graduate entry medicine students.

The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy, via the Higher Education Authority, to higher education institutions (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 terms of student supports, my Department 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 these bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help to improve diversify in 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 be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. A rent tax credit may also be available. More information is available on www.revenue.ie.