Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
2047. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding support options, if any, available to students who wish to study medicine via the graduate entry pathway. [37801/23]
View answerIn terms of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) tuition fees, the total level of fees charged to GEM students is a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the HEIs taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
In the academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The state contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500 with additional fees as determined by the university payable by the student.
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 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.
On 12th July 2022 the Minister for Health and I announced an agreement with the Irish medical schools to increase the number of places available for EU students by 200 over the next five years. The agreement reached with the medical schools will begin with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help us build our talent pipeline.
As you may be aware, I have recently published a cost of education options paper which sets out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the autumn.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that 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. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
