4110. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on works to create a loan scheme for medical students that will see their debts written off if they choose to stay working in Ireland; and to clarify the details of a person who would constitute a 'medical' student for the purposes of the scheme. [63677/26]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce tuition fee supports for Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM), and progressing this commitment remains a priority for Government. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health and engaging with other relevant Departments to examine a range of potential support measures for Graduate Entry Medicine students, including the possibility of a State-backed loan scheme and other tuition fee support mechanisms.

As part of this work, I recently met with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to discuss potential options, recognising that any State-backed loan arrangement would involve significant cross-Government considerations and engagement. My officials have also been engaging closely with counterparts in the Department of Health to further develop and assess a number of policy options aimed at improving affordability and access to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes.

Alongside considerations relating to student financial supports, my Department and the Department of Health are examining options that could encourage and support graduates to work within the Irish public health system following qualification, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of our healthcare workforce. Among the approaches being considered are models which could link enhanced student supports to service commitments after graduation. However, no decisions have been taken in relation to the design, scope or operation of any such arrangements.

It would not be appropriate to speculate on the outcome of ongoing discussions or on matters which may arise as part of the Budget and Estimates process. Consequently, no final decisions have been taken regarding the detailed design, eligibility criteria or implementation timeline of any future support scheme.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question regarding who would constitute a "medical student" for the purposes of any future scheme, the work currently under way relates to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes, consistent with the Programme for Government commitment. Graduate Entry Medicine is a four-year medical degree pathway for graduates who already hold a primary degree. While a range of policy options are being examined, there is currently no agreed Government position on the categories of students who may be eligible for any future support arrangement, nor on whether any such scheme would extend beyond Graduate Entry Medicine students. These matters will be considered as part of the ongoing policy development process and would be subject to Government approval.

I am conscious of the financial pressures faced by many Graduate Entry Medicine students, particularly following the withdrawal of the dedicated commercial loan product that was previously available to support students undertaking these programmes. Access to finance for Graduate Entry Medicine students remains a key consideration in the examination of potential support options.

It is also important to note that the State already provides substantial support towards Graduate Entry Medicine provision through the Higher Education Authority, with annual Exchequer funding of approximately €13 million supporting GEM places. Government has also significantly expanded medical education capacity in recent years as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ireland's healthcare workforce pipeline.

I can assure the Deputy that this matter continues to receive active consideration across Government and that the Government remains committed to improving affordability and widening access to Graduate Entry Medicine in a manner that supports both students and Ireland's future healthcare workforce needs.