Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1303. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase the SUSI grant given current levels do not fully reflect the rising cost of living for students and families. [30547/26]
View answerI am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and I have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and provides certainty for families.
I was therefore delighted in Budget 2026 to be in a position to introduce tangible and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
All non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, will increase by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
For this academic year, I permanently reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students and permanently increased the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant increased by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.
Effective from September 2026,
• Eligible students with household earnings under €120,000 will avail of the €500 student contribution grant. These students will therefore pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
• The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant will increase from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases.
I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is €260k up on the previous year.
Just this week I met with students and stakeholders at our annual cost of education event in Portlaoise. Feedback from this event is especially important to me and my colleagues when considering what options should be included in this year’s Annual Options paper to reduce the cost of higher education. This paper will be published in the autumn and will inform decision making ahead of Budget 2027.
It is important to note however that any amendments or extension to the student grant scheme has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the substantial number of competing demands on available funding.
The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched last month, sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.
