Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1645. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the new, targeted measures that have been introduced since the publication of the 2023 Funding the Future – Options Paper on the Cost of Higher Education to directly reduce the financial burden of graduate entry medicine tuition fees for socio-economically disadvantaged students; and if his Department considers general supports such as the student assistance fund or tax relief to constitute a sufficient response to the persistent underrepresentation of disadvantaged cohorts in medical education as reported by the Higher Education Authority. [29044/25]

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 (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 State currently provides a subsidy, via the Higher Education Authority, 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 terms of student supports, 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 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 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 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.

I very much recognise the significant financial pressures faced by students due to various expenses and the rising cost of living. It remains a top priority for me to continue to explore the most effective ways to support students in managing these costs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to succeed in their studies.

My Department will publish an Options Paper in the Autumn which will set out measures to help reduce the cost of education for students and families across Further and Higher Education, Research and Apprenticeships for consideration as part of the budgetary process.

The options assessment is intended to identify costs and potential impacts by the Department and is published without prejudice to eventual Government decisions.