Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
887. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost of doubling maintenance grants and restoring the grant adjacency rate to 24 km; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises third level education can be a significant cost for families and students.
In Budget 2022, the qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant was reduced from 45 km to 30 km.
In the past four budgets I was able to provide further financial assistance to students most in need by increasing maintenance grant rates.
• Effective from September 2023, all maintenance grant holders received an increase in their grant rate of between 10% and 14% with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2023.
• Effective from September 2024, all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates increased by €615 and all adjacent maintenance grant rates increased by 10% with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2024.
• Also effective from September 2024, maintenance for postgraduate students was restored on a similar basis to undergraduate students with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2024.
• In Budget 2025, effective from September 2025 there was an Increase to all standard Maintenance and Student Contribution Grant Thresholds by 15%
• Budget 2026 increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This benefits PLC/Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
Other budget 2026 changes include an increase to?the postgraduate fee contribution, an increase in the special rate of maintenance grant threshold and increasing the income threshold?for the €500 student contribution grant to €120,000.??
The Student Grant Scheme is a demand led scheme and I am unable to provide definitive figures on how many students will apply for and receive a grant in the 2026/2027 academic year. However, based on 2025/2026 expenditure it is estimated that doubling maintenance grant payments would cost around €200m.
It is also estimated that reducing the adjacency rate from 30km to 24km would cost around €9m. This is based on 2025/26 expenditure.
To inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2027, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, please be assured that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration as part of the negotiations.
