Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
978. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is planning to require higher education institutions to provide a booklist to students in advance of their courses beginning, to improve transparency in the costs students will have to incur for each course. [51693/25]
View answerI understand that there are many costs that come with being a student and that education is an investment in one's future. I believe that there should be as much transparency as possible for students regarding the costs they may encounter while studying.
It is my and my department's intention to continue to improve the quality of information available to students and prospective students. The provision of clear, detailed, and accurate information to students to enable informed decision-making regarding pathways and supports is a goal of the National Access Plan 2022-2028.
Work is currently ongoing within my department to scope and review the current student information landscape, examining the available sources and the quality of information available. This work is being supported by a programme of research that my officials have undertaken in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to better understand student decision-making and any influencing factors.
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies under legislation. They are responsible for their own administrative and academic affairs. As such, neither I nor my department may require HEIs to provide booklists to students in advance of the beginning of their courses.
It is worth noting that while not all institutions currently provide detailed booklists for their modules prior to the beginning of the academic year, students can typically access required reading materials free of charge through libraries managed by the institutions.
The deputy will also be aware of the fee and maintenance grants available to eligible students through SUSI, which help students with their study and living expenses. Students who face difficulties regarding unexpected additional costs associated with course materials can also avail of the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Full and part-time students studying in an Irish university, a technological university or an approved college can contact their institution's access office or student support service to apply for financial assistance from the fund.
