Written Answers Nos. 690-710
690. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will reverse the proposed changes to phased dispensing under the new community pharmacy agreement, which are due to come into operation on 1 January 2026; if her Department or the HSE assessed the impact of these changes on vulnerable patients to safely manage their medications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68087/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra691. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will suspend implementation of the proposed changes to phased dispensing under the new community pharmacy agreement pending full consultation with front-line clinicians; if she will undertake a risk impact assessment, specifically examining effects on vulnerable groups; if she will commit to co-designing revised criteria for phased dispensing with GPs, pharmacists, disability services, and patient groups (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68088/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 690 and 691 together.
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 marks a significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU). It sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare system.
The Agreement is designed to support the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and to ensure that community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery. The Agreement is available on the Department of Health’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/.
There are currently no reimbursement arrangements under the General Medical Service (GMS) Scheme or the Community Drug Schemes for the filling of Monitored Dosing Systems, sometimes known as blister packs. Community pharmacies may offer, as a quality initiative, to provide a patient’s medicines in such systems and may charge for this. However, such is a pharmacy arrangement with the patient and is not a State funded service.
A practice has built up whereby the use of Monitored Dosing Systems are charged as if for phased dispensing. The State has never agreed to this. Phased claiming was never intended to be used to submit claims in lieu of the provision of Monitored Dosing Systems.
Whilst Monitored Dosing Systems may have a role for some patients there is significant uncertainty around the robustness of the evidence supporting its use. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics carried out an evidence assessment which indicated that the evidence was, at best, equivocal to support such a programme.
Significant expenditure is therefore being incurred where it was never intended by the State.
During the substantial negotiations that resulted in the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025, it was agreed between the State and the IPU that improved controls would be introduced to limit the use of phased dispensing to specified high risk drugs, where a patient safety concern may exist. The improved controls will ensure that phased dispensing payments are targeted to medications with the highest risk or potential for misuse.
In addition, under the Agreement, a Strategic Collaboration Group will be established from early 2026 which will provide a structured forum for dialogue and joint consideration of strategic issues shaping the future of community pharmacy in Ireland.
The Agreement also includes the establishment of a rolling annual medicines optimisation programme with dedicated annual funding. The Strategic Collaboration Group will be tasked with exploring the best way to utilise this fund.
In conclusion, the introduction of improved controls around phased dispensing is being done in a way which puts patient safety first and allows the State to repurpose funding to be used to implement new patient-centred services. Of course, it remains open to pharmacies to charge patients for the use of Monitored Dosing Systems as a private service.
692. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for an updated neurosurgical robot used in deep brain stimulation surgery (details supplied); if an immediate decision will be made given the urgent need for additional capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
693. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE employees who do not have contracts of employment with the HSE, and to account for why no contracts are in place for those employees. [68091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
694. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE employees who do not have access to the public service pension, and to account for why no access is in place for those employees. [68092/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a staffing matter we have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
695. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the HSE is fully compliant with employment law with respect to the employment and payment of its staff. [68093/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
696. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the internal investigation being undertaken by the NAS into unacceptable conduct at work and the leaked recording of same in early 2025; her expectation of when that investigation will be completed; the action taken if wrongdoing is found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68102/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra697. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she has confidence in the NAS internal inquiry into unacceptable conduct at work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68103/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 696 and 697 together.
As this is a operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
698. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the wording on a pension rebatement form can be reviewed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68121/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter we have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
699. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she plans to provide specific funding for the delivery of the Collaborative Tuberculosis Strategy for Ireland: 2024–2030 to the HSE as the HSE’s current mandate in the matter is for the strategy to be ‘delivered within existing resources’ which is insufficient to the task. [68173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe additional funding for current expenditure in Budget 2026 for the Health Vote is €1.5 billion, bringing the total current allocation to €25.8 billion. This includes funding to maintain existing levels of service and for new service developments, including funding for the recruitment of 3,300 additional whole time equivalent staff in 2026.
The HSE is in the process of preparing its National Service Plan for 2026, setting out how the HSE will operationalise the Department’s priorities funded in Budget 2026, including the key priorities of improved access, quality and safety for those who use our services and value for money for the public more broadly.
The National Service Plan will include HSE plans, targets and timelines for specific measures to be progressed in 2026. Further information on the specific measures to be progressed in 2026, along with the associated funding and staffing, will be available when the National Service Plan has been completed and approved.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern both globally and in Ireland. While Ireland is a low-incidence country, recent figures show a rise in cases. My Department and the HSE continue to monitor the situation closely. The HSE works with partners and communities to raise awareness, especially among people at higher risk.
In 2024, the HSE published Striving to End Tuberculosis: A Strategy for Ireland 2024–2030. This five-year plan is Ireland’s first national TB strategy. It is aligned with WHO targets of reducing incidence by 80% and deaths by 90% by 2030. A detailed implementation plan, developed by the National TB Advisory Committee is guiding delivery.
The HSE is progressing implementation through existing services and resources. Work is underway to introduce a selective BCG vaccination programme next year. An updated TB Resources Report will align staffing and funding with current needs. New national TB guidelines are also being developed, with completion expected by end-2025.
People with TB are benefiting from shorter, more tolerable treatments. Multidisciplinary teams are expanding access to care and support. Enhanced surveillance, including genome sequencing, improves outbreak response and data quality. These actions demonstrate the progress made in delivering the national TB strategy.
700. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to improve access to higher education for students in north and mid-Cork; and if he will consider increased supports for rural students. [67285/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education is a key strategic goal of DFHERIS. Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in their local Education and Training Board, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. As of Budget 2026, €4m per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.
Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they’re passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.
In September 2023 the first intake of tertiary programmes commenced, with 152 students enrolled on 13 programmes. 2024 saw an increased intake with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes.
A total of 38 courses are running for the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts.
There are a number of tertiary programmes being offered in Cork across a variety of Cork ETB campuses:
|
HEI |
ETB |
Location of Year 1 |
Course Title |
|
MTU |
CETB |
Life Sciences Centre, Unit 1, Carrigaline Industrial Park, Crosshaven Road, Carrigaline, Co. Cork |
BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology |
|
MTU |
CETB |
Mallow Campus, Cork |
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing |
|
MTU |
CETB |
Morrison's Island Campus, Cork City |
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing |
|
MTU |
CETB |
Morrison's Island Campus, Cork City |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing |
|
UCC |
CETB |
Morrison's Island Campus, Cork City |
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) |
|
UCC |
CETB |
Morrison's Island Campus, Cork City |
BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy |
Work is currently ongoing to develop further tertiary programmes for the academic year 2026/27.
Students who are enrolled on a tertiary degree programme are entitled to apply for a SUSI grant from year 1. While they are studying in the ETB there are no fees, therefore students in year 1 of a tertiary degree are only eligible for a maintenance grant. Students who meet the other eligibility criteria for a the maintenance grant and whose normal residence is more than 30km from the ETB would qualify for an increased non-adjacent rate, providing additional support to cover the cost of transport.
This department recognises the need to offer support for more flexible forms of learning and for the first time in September 2024 a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced to provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses.
Its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. This department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning, and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review.
The main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI which provides for fee and maintenance grants to all students who meet the qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression.
Over the past number of Budgets DFHERIS has made significant enhancements to the Student Grant Scheme, including changes to income thresholds and maintenance rates, benefitting thousands of students. Students this academic year are benefitting from Budget 2025 which increased all income thresholds to avail of a student grant including increasing all standard rate thresholds by at least 15%.
The Student Grant Scheme recognises the challenges faced by students in accessing education by providing a higher non-adjacent maintenance grant rate for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution. In recognition of the additional costs for students who live further away from their institution Budget 2026 increased all non-adjacent maintenance grants by at least €200 from September 2026, with students in this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.
In addition, Budget 2026 saw a :
• Permanent reduction to the student contribution charge by €500 commencing this academic year.
• Permanent increase to the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.
Also from September 2026, the income threshold for the special rate of grant will increase in line with social welfare from €27,400 to €28,600.
The income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant will increase from €115,000-€120,000. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 26/27 academic year.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, the Student Assistance 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 including transport costs. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and further information can be found on www.studentfinance.ie.
701. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps are being taken to expand lifelong learning, night courses and upskilling opportunities in further education centres across County Cork, particularly for workers in agriculture, manufacturing and the SME sector. [67286/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have engaged with Cork ETB in relation to your question. It advised that it plans its annual FET delivery under an area-based approach, developing individual FET plans for four regions in Cork that align with the Local Community Development Committee areas. The planning for North Cork for 2026 is currently in progress, as in other areas, and involves Cork ETB's FET team in the area liaising and engaging with a wide range of stakeholder groups, including community groups, employers and the Department of Social Protection to determine what courses are in demand and can be incorporated into the plan. The delivery plan is finalised only upon confirmation of the annual budget allocations.
Cork ETB is extremely aware of the challenges for some learners in rural locations in terms of access and transportation to centres, and efforts are made to provide courses in as many locations as is feasible. In recent years, the range of courses offered through the Charleville FET centre has been expanded significantly, and, where possible, additional options will continue to be provided in rural areas. However, it must be noted that there are significant challenges to expanding delivery, and while budgetary considerations are one, more significant challenges arise in terms of availability of suitable premises and qualified staff, the numbers applying in a particular area being sufficient to create a viable class group, and transportation links in the region.
Cork ETB is currently working on its submission to QQI to allow the ETB to extend its scope of delivery to allow for more online and blended programmes and courses, with a particular focus of this application being to address accessibility for learners in rural and more remote locations.
While Cork ETB does engage with Rural Link in terms of transportation provision, and highlights transportation challenges with other agencies, decisions regarding the provision of transport lie with these agencies.
702. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to review the case of a person (details supplied); the reason this person was refused the special rate of SUSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67305/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2025/2026 academic year as specified under the Student Grant Scheme 2025 are as follows:
1. Students must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income (net of income disregards and Increase for Qualified Child) must not exceed €27,400 for undergraduate students, and
3. As at 31st December 2024, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student to whom the Deputy refers was awarded the full Non-adjacent standard rate of maintenance grant by the awarding authority, SUSI, together with 100% student contribution or 100% tuition fees whichever applies. While the student’s reckonable income was under the 2025/2026 threshold of €27,400, they were not in receipt of an eligible special rate payment on 31st December 2024.
If the student's circumstances change and they are awarded an eligible payment in the future they may request an internal review by emailing the SUSI Support Desk at support@susi.ie.
In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and 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 at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website: www.revenue.ie.
703. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to review the case of a person (details supplied); if there is any avenue available to seek a review or appeal of the decision in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
As per Article 22 (3) of the Student Grant Scheme 2025, in calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources whether it arises in the State or not. Article 22 (5) states that, for the purposes of determining the reckonable income of an applicant, the aggregate of any of the following shall be deducted - overtime payments earned in the reference period that are not recurring payments.
Where an applicant is aggrieved by a determination of the awarding authority, they may appeal in the first instance to SUSI. Where a student has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required time-frame.
The student referred to submitted an appeal to the Independent Student Grant Appeals Board (the Board) and the appeal was considered by the Board on the 21 October 2025. The Board requested additional documentation in relation to overtime payments. The Board considered the documentation which included payslips submitted by the student and determined that overtime payments were recurring. Therefore these payments must be included in calculating reckonable income.
The determination of the Board was communicated directly to the student on that date and the decision of the Board is final.
Your attention is drawn to Section 21(6) of the Student Support Act 2011 which sets out provisions for appealing to the High Court on a point of law.
In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and 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 at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website: www.revenue.ie.
704. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of auto-enrolment pension scheme compliance for each university and technological university; the staff grades or contract types covered by such schemes; the staff grades or contract types not covered by such schemes or otherwise excluded; whether each university has communicated with all staff grade regarding participation; the outstanding arrangements to be made, and when these will be made, in tabular form. [67354/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information in respect of Higher Education Institutions, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department.
Higher Educations Institutions are independent autonomous bodies and contact details for the pension areas of these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the Institutions directly with their query.
705. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of clinical psychologist places in universities and institutes available across the State; and the number of clinical psychologist graduates from 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [67448/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra706. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of clinical psychologist graduates which did not continue with that career following graduation for the years 2020 to 2025; and the number of these graduates who went on to work within the HSE following their graduation for the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [67449/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 705 and 706 together.
The information requested was sourced by the HEA and is provided in the attachment, which lists enrolments and graduates in Psychology programmes for the last 5 years. For clarity, it should be noted that Clinical psychology is a psychology specialisation requiring completion of a doctorate. As there are no undergraduate degrees in Ireland that are specifically designated as 'Clinical Psychology', and students typically complete a general psychology honours degree and then pursue postgraduate clinical training, I have provided information on both undergraduate and postgraduate student enrolments and graduates.
It is important to note that Graduates are surveyed nine months after graduation to identity the main destination at that time. The most up-to-date survey covers graduates from the year 2024. The HEA have provided my Department with information from years 2018 to 2024, the most recent six years for which they have data. There was no survey of the class of 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The data being provided is on both the Undergraduate and Postgraduates and is based on the percentage of respondents to the survey for the two course lists you provided.
Level 8 Honours Degree:
Approximately 1,050 graduates from these courses were surveyed in the above years. Of those who responded, 53% were in employment while 42% were engaged in further study nine months after graduation. 92% of respondents in employment reported they were employed in Ireland.
19% of respondents were employed in the Education sector and 21% were employed in the Human health and social work activities. A very small number of respondents (<10) who provided a job title described themselves as “Assistant Psychologist”. This is as would be expected given that further post-graduate level professional training is required for employment as a psychologist proper.
Postgraduate courses:
Just under 450 Graduates from these courses were surveyed for the same time period. Of those who responded, 96% were in employment nine months after graduation, of whom 98% were employed in Ireland. 82% were employed in Human health and social work activities and 10% were employed in Education.
Graduates are asked to provide job titles and organization names. The vast majority of respondents to the job title question would appear to be employed as psychologists with a smaller proportion employed in academic or research positions. Of those who provided an organisation name, 45% would appear to be working in the HSE. This is the single biggest employer.
I wish to confirm that my Department continues active engagement with both the Department of Health and the Department of Children in relation to the future pipeline of psychologists, with a particular focus on child and educational psychologists.
An Expression of Interest process will issue shortly, and my officials, working closely with colleagues in the HEA, and leading the ongoing work to increase the supply of programmes in healthcare including in the therapies disciplines, and including areas such as child psychologists as well as other important healthcare areas that are being targeted for expansion.
707. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67464/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
All staff have access to the One Learning, the Civil Service Learning and Development shared service, One Learning includes a module of "AI in the Public Service". A communication of this course availability was issue to all staff.
When introducing AI technology to staff, training will be provided in a manner that is proportionate to their role, level of use, and prior experience. This will ensure that each staff member receives the knowledge they need to use AI safely, effectively, and in line with the EU AI Act.
708. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1178 of 18 November 2025, his plans to provide additional student assistance funding to the Higher Education Authority for the remainder of the current 2025-2026 academic year; and if he will provide the additional allocations for each of the five Technological Universities, in tabular form. [67586/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have provided significant investment to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) over the last number of years and this academic year our core funding allocation of €9.1 million remains the same as previous years. We will continue to monitor the fund, with respect to demand as the academic year progresses.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
709. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an Irish citizen living outside the State returning home to attend the leaving certificate cycle, can avail of the rate of student fees of an Irish resident for third level education; the requirements which must be met to avail of these fees and not international fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67660/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tuition fee payable by a higher education student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for my Department to offer guidance on the fee arrangements that may apply for individual students.
In terms of tuition fee supports, first time higher education students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via the Free Fees Initiative. To avail of funding under the initiative students must meet the criteria of the scheme including the residency criterion, available at https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/
In order to meet the residency requirements of the Free Fees Initiative a student must have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. All students are required to meet the residency criteria of the scheme preceding their entry to an approved third level course.
Where students do not qualify for free fees funding, they must pay the appropriate fee as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the Free Fees Initiative is a matter for the relevant institution to determine. Typically, there are two rates of fee, an ‘EU’ and a ‘Non-EU’ (sometimes referred to an International) rate of fee for each course. The institution’s criteria typically include specified nationality and/or residency requirements that students would be expected to meet to qualify for the EU rate of fee.
As noted above, it is the individual higher education institution that assesses each student application and determines the applicable rate of tuition fee. Where a student requires clarification or guidance on the fee criteria of an individual institution, s/he can contact the relevant institution.
710. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports to be provided to graduate medicine students who receive no SUSI grant, no Government support, and no access to student loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides support for broadening access to Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programmes through the part-subsidisation of fees for EU students. This subsidy is paid directly to the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) via the Higher Education Authority, with the balance of the fee payable by the student.
Graduate Entry Medicine is an accelerated four-year programme designed for individuals who already hold a primary degree and wish to pursue a medical career. As GEM constitutes a second degree, students are not eligible for support under the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme, in line with progression criteria that apply across the higher education system.
In terms of existing supports, a number of measures are already in place to improve affordability and access for GEM students. Under the National Access Plan, socioeconomically disadvantaged students who hold access bursaries may now retain these supports should they progress to a GEM programme. This represents a significant step in supporting diversity within the medical profession.
GEM students can also apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), which provides financial help to students experiencing hardship. Supports may cover costs such as rent, childcare, transport and academic materials. Applications are made through the Access Office of each institution.
Students may also avail of tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees paid for approved courses where eligible, and the rent tax credit may also apply. Further information is available from the Revenue Commissioners.
As autonomous bodies, HEIs set their own fee levels for GEM programmes. However, the subsidy provided by my Department ensures that EU students can access GEM places at significantly lower fee levels than would otherwise be required to deliver these programmes.
For the 2024/25 academic year, the subsidy provided per EU GEM student was:
€16,250• per student for the additional places created under the 2022 expansion of medical places; and
€14,220• per student for pre-existing places.
The subsidy for pre-existing places will continue to increase annually up to 2029, when it will align fully with the rate applying to new places. In total, €13,001,140 in tuition fee subsidies was paid for GEM students in 2024/25.
Student supports, including the Student Grant Scheme, are reviewed annually as part of the wider budgetary process, which must balance a broad range of competing demands and resource constraints across Government. I am working with my officials to examine these supports. I remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that access to Graduate Entry Medicine is improved and that financial barriers are reduced wherever possible.
