Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
612. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to expand eligibility for student grants under the student grant scheme; whether consideration is being given to increasing the income thresholds and maintenance grant rates given the rising cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47549/26]
View answerFinancial supports such as the Free Fees scheme and SUSI student grant scheme are critical to supporting learners. As the Deputy will be aware, potential adjustments to the current student support allocation require consideration as part of the budgetary and Estimates process.
For example, in Budget 2026, after considering a range of options I was pleased to introduce additional supports for students. These included a €500 permanent reduction to the Free Fees initiative student contribution charge. That flat-rate reduction has reduced the top rate from €3,000 to €2,500. That is the first permanent cut and it has benefited an estimated 108,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 apprentices in 2025/26. This reduction had a cost of €55.4m this year and is an ongoing cost.
As I look ahead to the next Budget it is a priority for me to again examine all options available to improve supports to students. I have engaged with students and key stakeholders at a recent cost of education event in Portlaoise and I will continue to engage with them in the coming weeks and months leading up to the budget in October. These discussions help to identify what are the key measures that can be implemented to reduce the cost of education for students and their families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students, and reduce financial barriers, will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.
