Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1683. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will recognise a course (details supplied) as a Level 9 course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/24]
View answerThe Medical Council is the regulator of the medical profession in Ireland. The Medical Council sets and monitors standards for undergraduate, and postgraduate medical programmes and the bodies that deliver them to ensure that curricula are in line with Medical Council rules, criteria, standards and guidelines.
There are no proposals to upgrade the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme to a level 9 qualification. Graduate Entry medicine programmes offer a pathway to students who already have a primary degree or postgraduate qualification to study medicine over an accelerated timeframe. Students graduating from these programmes graduate with the same award as those who have studied on the direct entry undergraduate programmes. Both programmes are placed on the National Framework of Qualifications at level 8, an honours degree.
There are supports in place for students undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine Programmes. While the Free Fees Initiative does not meet fees in respect of students who are completing a second undergraduate degree, which includes Graduate Entry Medicine, unlike for other second undergraduate degree programmes, the State does provide a subsidy to institutions towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry medicine student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the institution themselves taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
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 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.
