Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
1041. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the HEA contribution towards graduate entry medicine tuition fees by €5,000 and €10,000 per student, respectively based on the latest available student numbers [45298/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for Graduate Entry Medicine (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 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.
The HEA collect statistics regarding enrolment of students, the most recent data available is from the academic year 2024/2025.
Based on the 2024/2025 GEM student enrolment numbers:
The estimated cost of increasing the HEA contribution towards GEM (grant per student) by €5,000 per student is an additional c.€4.7 million.
The estimated cost of increasing the HEA contribution towards GEM (grant per student) by €10,000 per student is an additional c.€9.5 million.
My Department is committed to removing barriers to participation in tertiary education, particularly in disciplines with acute skills shortages such as healthcare. I fully appreciate the significant financial pressures facing students and their families, particularly those who are considering a Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme.
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.
It is important to note that 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.
