Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

My question refers to the difference between third level fees in 2024 and in 2025. It is a very straightforward question, but it does not seem to be so for members of the Government. It is very frustrating for Members of the House and students and their families. People's backs are broken trying to make ends meet in respect of day-to-day costs. To top it off, they have to deal with the massive expense of putting themselves or their children through college. Essentially, student fees have increased. Why is the Government trying to sell this as a reduction? Fees are up this year.

See this speech in context