Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1302. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reduce the third level contribution fees over the next number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution fee in a financially sustainable manner over the lifetime of this Government.
Budget 2026 was my first opportunity since taking up office, to deliver on this commitment. And I did deliver an immediate and permanent reduction of €500 to the Student Contribution fee paid by students. This flat rate reduction has reduced the fee from €3,000 to €2,500 in the current academic year. It is the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.
The fee reduction is expected to benefit approximately 108,000 undergraduate students, with a further 14,000 apprentices in higher education expected to benefit from a pro rata fee reduction of up to 17%.
The State already pays the full student contribution or part of it, for tens of thousands of learners who qualify for SUSI supports every year. Over 65,000 students in the 24/25 college year received this support of which over 44,000 received a 100% Student contribution grant and paid no fees. I have increased the income threshold for the €500 student fee grant to €120,000; so that even more students and families can qualify for additional grant supports.
I have also increased the SUSI grant rates for those who are travelling further to college and secured additional funding for the Fund for Students with Disabilities and student mental health services.
These changes are meaningful steps toward a fairer, more affordable system and were cognisant of the need to support middle income families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next budget or subsequent budgets, I can assure the Deputy that I will consider all options available to me to improve the overall student support framework and deliver on our Programme for Government commitments, balancing the costs and benefits of both universal and targeted measures as resources allow.
