Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
784. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to make higher education more affordable during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73569/25]
View answerI am conscious of financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. It is a priority for me to explore the most effective and sustainable ways to support students in managing the cost of education. I also recognise that costs are not limited to fees. Students encounter additional expenses such as fuel, food, and accommodation, as well as specific course-related costs like books and materials.
Financial supports, such as the Free Fees Initiative and the SUSI student grant scheme are critical to supporting learners. In recent Budgets we have made significant improvements to the support framework. This has included restoration of SUSI Postgraduate supports and a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses. Students this academic year are also benefiting from the Budget 2025 decision to increase all income thresholds to avail of a student grant including increasing all standard rate thresholds by at least 15%.We have made further improvements in Budget 2026. For this academic year I have permanently reduced the Student Contribution charge by €500. This is the first such reduction since the scheme's introduction in 1995. It is expected to benefit around 108,000 undergraduate students with a further 14,000 apprentices benefitting from a 17% pro-rata reduction in their fees.
Other Budget 2026 SUSI measures include:
• An increase in the income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant form €115,000 to €120,000 from next year;
• Increases of €200–€430 in the maintenance grant rates; and
• A €500 increase in the postgraduate fee grant.
These changes are meaningful steps toward a fairer, more affordable system.I am conscious that not all students may avail of fee or grant supports. Last week, I announced that there will be €19.35m available under the Student Assistance Fund in the 2025/26 academic year. The funding includes €9.1m in core funding and additional funding of over €10.2m. This funding will benefit the most vulnerable students, who may be struggling with financial costs associated with attending college. Looking ahead to future Budget decisions, I will continue to consider all options available to me to reduce the cost of education for students and their families.
