4031. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason diagnostic radiography students are not getting the same financial support for travel and accommodation as nursing and midwife students. [59805/26]

Clinical placements are an integral component of many professional higher education programmes and provide students with invaluable practical experience in real-world settings. Arrangements for clinical placements are made directly between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the relevant placement providers. In certain sectors, such as nursing and midwifery, placements are coordinated with the Health Service Executive (HSE). My Department does not have a direct role in the organisation, funding or remuneration of clinical placements.

Decisions regarding the payment of students while undertaking placements are matters for the relevant placement providers and sectors. Accordingly, remuneration arrangements for student nurses undertaking HSE placements fall outside my Department's remit. Similarly, my Department does not determine travel, accommodation or other placement-related support arrangements for students in individual healthcare disciplines, including diagnostic radiography.

Notwithstanding this, I am very aware of the important contribution students make while on mandatory placements and of the financial pressures that can arise during these periods. Students may face additional costs associated with travel and accommodation and, given the full-time nature of many placements, often have limited opportunities to supplement their income through part-time employment.

In recognition of these challenges, the Programme for Government 2025 includes a commitment to examine the introduction of a placement grant for students undertaking mandatory placements. To support this work, I have approved the rollout of a pilot placement support scheme which will provide valuable evidence to inform the future development of targeted supports for students undertaking mandatory placements across a range of disciplines.

In the meantime, a range of student financial supports continue to be available. These include the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI and the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF provides additional support, on a confidential and discretionary basis, to students who may otherwise be at risk of discontinuing their studies due to financial hardship.

Ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing and completing higher education remains a priority. Students seeking information on available supports can contact the Access Office in their institution or visit www.studentfinance.ie for further details.