Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
296. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken by his Department to broaden access to graduate entry medicine programmes across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40470/26]
View answer297. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the financial supports available to prospective students of graduate entry medicine programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40471/26]
View answer298. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places offered to but subsequently not accepted by prospective students of graduate entry medicine programmes in the period of 2022-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40472/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 to 298, inclusive, together.
I recognise the importance of and I am committed to reducing the barriers to participation in higher education. Expanding provision in areas of acute skills shortage is a priority I am committed to delivering through the Programme for Government.
I fully appreciate the significant financial pressures facing students, particularly those on Graduate Entry Medicine programmes, and the importance of ensuring that finance is not a barrier to accessing third-level education.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce supports for students studying Graduate Entry Medicine. I have tasked my officials to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Health to progress this commitment in a constructive and practical way, with a focus on affordability, sustainability and the long-term medical workforce needs of the State.
It is important to note that substantial State support is already provided for Graduate Entry Medicine. The Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for GEM places across all institutions, and recent Budget measures have significantly increased the value of this subsidy - rising from €11,950 per student in 2021/22 to €16,930 for graduate entrants currently in 2026, representing approximately €13 million in annual public funding. This significantly reduces the costs faced by students, with the remaining fee levels determined by higher education institutions.
In addition, GEM students may access a range of existing supports, including the Student Assistance Fund, National Access Plan bursaries, tax relief on fees and rent, the Fund for Students with Disabilities where eligible, and the continued availability of the 1916 Bursary for eligible students progressing to GEM.
I have asked my officials to examine a range of potential future support models, including financial and incentive-based approaches, such as State-backed loans, as part of cross-Government work. This includes considering how any further measures might support both affordability and the retention of graduates within the Irish public health system. No decisions have yet been taken, and any proposal would require careful consideration and budgetary approval.
My Department does not hold data regarding refusals of places on higher education programmes. The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an independent body which processes applications to tertiary education programmes on behalf of the institutions. Further information regarding the application process is available on the CAO website here: www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/2026/GraduateEntryMedicine2026.pdf.
