Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

What I have been very clear about is that this issue will be part of the broader discussion on budget 2026. That is how annualised budgeting works in this economy and many other economies around the world. That is what we are seeking to do. We will set out an envelope in the coming weeks and each Minister will have to prioritise within that his or her overall expenditure demands.

Of course, I am cognisant of the need to ease the financial burden on students and families over the lifetime of the Government. Part of that is around the student contribution fee but there are other changes that could be made in terms of income thresholds for SUSI and other grants which have targeted and direct support for students. It is examining the broader issue of costs for third level students and, indeed, for other students at primary and secondary levels around the overall costs of education. The past number of years have seen sustained supports on a permanent basis across many areas of our education system. That is what many of my colleagues will be seeking to prioritise as part of budget 2026 but that process is important in terms of what is possible for next year.

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