Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)

In recent days, the Chamber has spoken about the cost of living and how it affects education. To provide the bigger picture of what the cost of living for families is at present, if we look at it through the lens of education, which in my opinion is the foundation for our society, we have voluntary contributions for schools because schools cannot afford to keep the heating on. Parents are not fundraisers, they are taxpayers. We have hot school meals in our schools. I worked in education disadvantage for a very long time. Hot meals in schools came about because children go to school hungry. Yesterday, we heard that families do not have enough food in their homes so parents are reducing their own meal sizes or cutting them out altogether so they can feed their children.

When schoolbook schemes and other such schemes are rolled out, they are very welcome. I want to put on the record that we are constantly told by the Government that we want everything for everyone. We want targeted measures. The roll-out of schoolbooks is universal, whether or not someone is a millionaire. When a scheme is rolled out for everyone, then everyone is included. This includes all parts of education. Unfortunately, the students who were here until very late last night are wondering whether their fees will increase. It is an omnishambles. If families already pay €3,000 more for food than they did last year and now there will be another €1,000 for third level fees, I cannot compute how the Government does not see there is a cost-of-living crisis or how increasing the fees will put pressure on families. I said last night in the Chamber that John Dewey said, "Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself." It is a failure if families cannot afford to send their children to university. Education at third level, and not only at primary and secondary levels, is a human right.

I will reiterate some of the debate that happened last night because the Minister of State could not be there because of time pressures. The cost of accommodation for students in Ireland is approximately €1,200 per month. In Germany, in a big city such as Berlin, it is €300 to €500. The cost of transport is very high for students here in comparison with other European countries. The cost of the groceries that students also have to buy is at an all-time high. Students are being prevented from accessing their human right to education. Last night, the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, said there are other education pathways and this is true. As she said, students can do apprenticeships and earn as they learn. However, students should be able to go to college here at whatever level they want and not be prevented because of financial reasons. The cost of groceries is really not helping the situation for families.

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