Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
179. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the improvements he has made to student financial supports and SUSI for eligible students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and provides certainty for families.
I prioritised funding for students in Budget 2026 and introduced real and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
In Budget 2026, I prioritised funding for students and introduced a range of permanent measures to ease financial pressures. These included a permanent €500 reduction in the Student Contribution Charge, a €500 increase in the Postgraduate Contribution Grant, and €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund.
I also increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the SUSI scheme by at least €200 from September 2026, benefiting approximately 30,000 PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate students who face higher accommodation or transport costs. In addition, I increased the income threshold for the €500 student contribution support from €115,000 to €120,000, meaning eligible undergraduate students from households earning under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in 2026/27.
Further Education and Training (FET) courses are free or heavily subsidised, with financial supports available to eligible learners. Those in receipt of certain social welfare payments transfer to a learner allowance while retaining secondary benefits, such as a medical card. Allowance rates are linked to previous social welfare rates, and additional supports for travel, meals, or accommodation may also be available.
The development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education is a key strategic goal of my Department. Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in their local Education and Training Board. As of Budget 2026, €4m per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.
Students on Tertiary programmes benefit from no tuition fees while studying in the ETB, may access SUSI maintenance grants and other student supports subject to eligibility, and are jointly supported by both the ETB and partner HEI throughout their studies.
The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched in March, sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.
