Dáil debates

Thursday, 19 May 2022

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Third Level Fees

10:40 am

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Ó Ríordáin is aware, on 4 May I launched the Funding the Future framework, which includes the Government's policy response to the Cassells report and the Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, DG REFORM, reviews on the future of higher education. It clearly sets out my intention to implement a progressive range of measures to address costs as a barrier to education, in the context of overall budgetary decision-making.

Let me be very clear, the cost of education to families must be reduced in this country. I am very determined about that and am very pleased that the Government has now made a number of important decisions about a sustainable model for future funding of higher education. In making decisions on what to do, we have also made decisions on what not to do. We have taken student loans off the table. They are wrong and do not work. I know that is something the Deputy and I agree on. We have instead chosen a mixed model of investment, which will include the Exchequer investing an awful lot more in higher education.

We talk a lot about big figures. We need to put an extra €307 million into core funding. I prefer to think of it as almost €2,000 more being spent per student on his or her education. The €307 million will mean the investment of an additional €2,000 per student per year in his or her education. I was also clear that we would not bring forward a plan that would just address core funding. We have to bring forward a plan that recognises the cost of education for working families must be reduced. I want to see the student contribution in higher education reduced in a meaningful way over the course of future budgets. I want this done in a way that does not rob Peter to pay Paul. The €307 million is for core funding but it is not an either-or option. We need to do both. I want to make sure that we see improvements in student grants and that, at the same time, we try to reduce the overall level of the student contribution fee.

The Deputy will know I cannot announce budget 2023 or even the element that relates to my Department, but I have reached an agreement with the Government that every year, in advance of the budget process, my Department will publish an annual cost of education paper. This is really important, and it has been done in the context of social welfare and tax. It makes sure that every year the House has an opportunity to focus on what measures and policy levers we can put in place to reduce the cost to families. That paper will also set out the options to improve the student grant scheme and to reduce the student contribution fee.

I am very determined to reduce the student contribution fee over the course of a number of budgets and I want to start that as quickly as possible.

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