Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is planning to abolish college fees this year in light of the worsening affordability crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34807/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government (PfG) addresses the cost of college in a balanced way by combining both universal and targeted measures. The PFG commits to incrementally reducing student contribution fees as well as increasing SUSI grants, providing additional supports for specific cohorts, as well as providing more pathways into and through higher education. The PFG explicitly states that this must be done in a financially sustainable manner.
I am acutely aware of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education.
Budget 2026 was my first opportunity since taking up office to deliver on this commitment. I implemented a 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.
As I look ahead to the next Budget it is a priority for me to examine all options available to improve supports to students. While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next budget, I am conscious that sustainable improvements will need to be funded from permanent recurrent measures in the expenditure base.
In this context, I am also conscious that the recent Government decision to levy departments to cover expenditure pressures in other Departments, may limit the scope for new measures that I can bring forward as part of Budget 2027. Notwithstanding this, I will again pursue options that are equitable, funded, fair, and that build upon the permanent improvements that were made for the 2025/26 academic year.
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.
