Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
945. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the student maintenance grant by €1,000 for full-time students at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31791/25]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme is a demand led scheme and as such the number of students who are eligible for grants varies from year to year. As of 30th May 2025, there are approximately 48,622 students in receipt of a maintenance grant at PLC, Postgraduate and Undergraduate level, if the same number of students were eligible for a grant in 2025/2026 an additional €1,000 would cost over €48m.
Improvements to the student grant scheme has always been a priority for my Department and many improvements have been made benefitting thousands of students over the past few budgets.
As you may be aware from September 2025, I will be increasing all standard maintenance grant thresholds by 15% along with other measures as announced in Budget 2025.
Ahead of Budget 2026, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2026.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, please be assured that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration as part of the negotiations.
