Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
343. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans in place to alleviate the stress caused to students as a result of the change in structure of the pharmacy degree here following the signing of a statutory instrument by then Minister for Health (details supplied). [1035/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Pharmacy Act 2007, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) has responsibility for defining and ensuring the standards of education and training for pharmacists qualifying in Ireland. This includes developing standards, policies and carrying out accreditation of pharmacy degree programmes. The Minister for Health approved changes to the 5 year Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm) programme structure effective from September 2015 which supports the dispersal of placements throughout the five years (rather than focussed on the final year as was the case for students commencing study prior to 2015).
Tuition fees are state-funded for the first four years of the pharmacy programme for students who satisfy the Free Fees criteria. A tuition fee will, however, have to be paid by all students for the final year (Masters) of the programme, as this is a postgraduate Level 9 award and funding is not available under the Free Fees Initiative for postgraduate study.
SUSI grant support is available for those students who meet the qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. Different supports are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Qualifying students attending integrated/intercalated courses, will be initially assessed in respect of the undergraduate portion of the course. A separate application will be required in respect of the portion of the course deemed to be the postgraduate element.
Students in third-level institutions who experience exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. In addition, tax relief is available on postgraduate tuition fees paid. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
