Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for coming in. I know he has been listening keenly. I support the motion. We have heard a lot in recent days. It was great to see Members wearing shorts to acknowledge the struggle by the camogie players. That is about listening to players. I wanted to make sure we are listening to young people in this debate. It is vital we do not forget the voice of students and young people. Youth organisations have long been campaigning for a reduction in the cost of education. The Government has committed to continuing to reduce contribution fees, expand additional supports for students such as placement grants for students on mandatory placements, and increase financial supports for postgraduates to ease the financial burden on students. It can be alarming for students when they hear the Minister is seemingly considering the opposite, that is, abandoning the current reductions in contribution fees that are in place and which serve as an essential lifeline for struggling students.

We need to ensure the students' voices are not forgotten in this debate. Many youth organisations, like the National Youth Council of Ireland, the Union of Students in Ireland, Fine Gael's own youth wing, Young Fine Gael, and many more groups have been campaigning for reductions in the cost of higher education. We must not ignore their calls. I call on the Minister to listen to and engage with students on this issue. Youth organisations and the voice of students need to be heard. I encourage all Members to support our motion to ensure young people can receive their education, that the cost is reduced and that alternative opportunities and avenues of higher education are invested in and encouraged.