Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris. I very much welcome the €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee that was announced in the budget. It is relevant for this academic year. On balance it is a good thing and is making a very positive difference downstream. Unfortunately, it is only relevant to students who are eligible for the free fees initiative. The Taoiseach may or may not be aware that there are two groups of students who are excluded from this scheme: those who are repeating an academic year and those who are doing a second degree such as graduate entry medical students. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach and the Minister could look into this to see if we can get these two cohorts of students into the scheme. It will make a huge difference to those affected.

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