Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
242. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will maintain the recent reduction in the student contribution fee; his plans to reduce costs for students, including postgraduate supports given rising living expenses and accommodation costs; and if additional funding will be allocated to the student assistance fund to meet growing demand. [67840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 benefiting from Budget 2025 which increased 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 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. Through the Student Assistance Fund, as administered by the HEA, my Department provides support to students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support and to also provide emergency financial assistance for other students. The 2025/2026 core funding allocation is €9.1 million for this important Fund, and we continue to monitor the fund with respect to demand.
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.
