Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2026
465. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps taken to help support students and families in Carlow and Kilkenny by reforming the SUSI grant, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7278/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the costs facing students. I have made and want to continue to make improvements to student supports that are equitable, funded and fair, and which bring certainty to families.
I was, therefore, delighted in Budget 2026 to be in a position to make real, permanent changes to support students from all backgrounds and to reduce the cost of education. I increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, (administered by SUSI) by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This measure will ease the financial burden on students and will benefit around 30,000 PLC, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution who may have to pay rent or higher transport costs.
I was also in a position to permanently increase the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant from €4,000 to €4,500 effective this academic year.
I am conscious that not all students meet eligibility criteria for Grants, I supported this cohort by reducing the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students permanently by €500. This will support around 108,000 undergraduate students without the need for a means test.
I have also expanded SUSI's eligibility criteria by increasing the income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant from €115,000 to €120,000, effective from September 2026. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in the 2025/26 academic year to date that 1,446 students in Carlow and 1,888 students in Kilkenny have been awarded grants under the 2025 Student Grant Scheme.
