Third Level Fees

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Questions (205)

Conor D. McGuinness

Question:

205. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will cut college fees for third level students before September 2026. [34732/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.

In my first budget as Minister for Higher Education, I have delivered on this commitment. I have reduced the student contribution by €500, and I have done so in a manner that is financially sustainable. This flat rate reduction has reduced the student contribution fee from €3,000 to €2,500; the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.

In considering the student contribution it is important to also note that tens of thousands of students have their student contribution paid in full or part by SUSI, with over 65,000 students receiving fee grant supports last year.

As part of Budget 2027, I will consider options to make further improvements to student supports, such as the student contribution, SUSI grants, student assistance fund, mental health and disability supports, apprenticeship funding and many other areas.

In looking at future options to improve the student support framework, I must have regard to the Government’s overall expenditure management and budgetary policy. Whilst the recent Government decision to levy Departments to cover expenditure pressures in the Department of Education may limit the options available to me in this year’s budget, it won't diminish my resolve to deliver for students and their families.

While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in Budget 2027, I can assure the Deputy that options to reduce the cost of education for students and their families, will remain a primary objective for me.