Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and his commitment to review the issue, talk to the Minister and see if we can put a better set of rules in place. While we are discussing third level students, I note that there is talk of greater flexibility in future budgets and of starting to see the end of absolute pressure on budgets. If there is any opportunity in the third level budget in the forthcoming Estimates, we should freeze the student contribution charge. It is planned to increase it in the next budget, but it is getting to a prohibitive level and this is having a significant impact. If there were some flexibility to row back, we could at least freeze it. It is heading quickly towards €3,000, which is a great deal of money, especially if one has more than one child in college. If there is flexibility, it would send a great signal and provide families with the relief they need in the current circumstances.

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