202. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the work of his Department in making graduate entry medicine courses more accessible; and if his Department is considering any new initiatives, schemes or bursaries to this end. [34831/26]

I recognise the significant financial pressures facing students pursuing healthcare programmes, particularly those undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine, and I am very conscious of the importance of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing or completing medical education.

The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to improving the affordability of Graduate Entry Medicine. In that context, my Department is working closely with the Department of Health to examine a range of potential support and incentive models, including financial supports that could also contribute to the retention of graduates within the Irish public health system. This work is being progressed at cross-Government level, reflecting both affordability considerations and wider workforce planning priorities.

It is also important to note that substantial State support for Graduate Entry Medicine is already in place. The Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for all Graduate Entry Medicine places across institutions. Recent Budget measures have significantly enhanced this support, increasing the per-student subsidy from €11,950 in 2021/22 to €16,930 for all graduate entrants currently, in 2026. This represents approximately €13 million in annual public funding and significantly reduces the costs faced by students, with remaining fee levels set by autonomous higher education institutions.

In addition, Graduate Entry Medicine students may access a range of existing supports where eligible, including the Student Assistance Fund for students experiencing financial hardship, National Access Plan bursaries, tax relief on tuition fees and rent, supports available through the Fund for Students with Disabilities, and the 1916 Bursary for eligible students progressing to postgraduate study.

This work on affordability complements a wider programme of reform and investment in medical education, including the expansion of medical training capacity, to strengthen the domestic supply of doctors, reduce reliance on international recruitment, and support the long-term sustainability of the Irish health workforce.

This issue remains an active priority for my Department. The examination of potential future supports, including whether financial measures could be linked to service in the Irish public health system, is ongoing, and any proposals emerging from this work will be brought to Government for consideration in due course.