Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Questions (620)

Seán Canney

Question:

620. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the difficulties facing medical students here which is creating a situation whereby doctors that achieved their education through graduate entry programmes are defaulting on student loans due to the high education costs they face here which incentivises them to work abroad; his views on the introduction of a HSE style bursary for clinical years three and four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25236/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Students pursuing GEM programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding or for student grants. However, in order to widen access to GEM programmes, and give assistance towards the financial burden on each student pursuing these programmes, the fees of participating EU students are partly subsidised by the State via the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Currently, I understand the subsidy is €10,710 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student.

There is no Department supported loan scheme in place for GEM students. There are various loans available for GEM students but these are private arrangements between the relevant lenders and the students applying for such loans and my Department has no role in such arrangements.

Matters relating to the introduction of a bursary scheme in return for future clinical years is matter for the Department of Health.