Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. This has been a wonderful debate on the future of every student. It is a relief that we can take back what was said to their families. These are difficult financial times for many families who are sending their kids to further, higher or third level education. Students and families in my area are coming to me about gaining access to the programme. This is the biggest problem. If the families can afford to access the programme, they will break any barrier to make sure their children get to third level and complete their courses.

We have all spoken about different regions and the technological universities, their impetus and what they are doing in their areas, including Limerick. The technological universities, which I have mentioned to the Minister, have been transformative and an unbelievable blessing for their catchment areas. Reference was made to people in south Kerry going to Limerick. There are now people from Limerick going to Kerry, which is unprecedented. That is all welcome.

As Senator Ní Chuilinn stated, we are the voice for every student and, particularly in these economically uncertain times, their families. Hopefully, we can help with the work being done by the Minister and his Department to deliver on everything in the programme for Government.

The first of the four or five items I really wanted to drive home is increasing people's holiday earnings. The Minister referred to budget time and making sure everything promised in our programme for Government will be delivered. With regard to SUSI’s

earnings deductions, students really have to work and get off their backsides to make sure that they finish college life with a degree, diploma or otherwise. They must go out and work because of family circumstances. A figure of up to €12,000 has been mentioned. The Minister stated he is working with student bodies on determining what will be more appropriate at budget time. Could the figure of up to €12,000 be examined seriously? We must deliver on the commitments in the programme for Government to reform the CAO and introduce a single application process for apprenticeships. Very much highlighted in this debate was the fact that we have kind of forgotten about apprenticeships and the availability of the apprenticeship pathway to any person leaving school. It should have been highlighted more before now. We had a technological era and now we have a labour shortage, so we really need to progress that. We must also develop the framework for universities and provide clear routes to allow access for capital funding. The Minister mentioned student accommodation strategy groups. We have a severe housing problem throughout the country. There is no private rental market. We have heard of kids sleeping in their cars overnight to present at college the following morning. This cannot happen in 2025. The Minister must ensure it does not happen from now on.

I ask that the Government continue to reduce the student contribution during its lifetime. The reduction of €1,000 over the past two terms has been hugely welcome and has eased the financial burden. I do not want the student contribution to increase again by €800 or €1,000. We do not want to go backwards. I know the base is €3,000 but let us keep the €1,000 reduction. That must be a priority for the Government going forward.

I look forward to working with and engaging with the Department. Senators, who are really ambassadors for the student population, will do everything we can to keep students on the right road and able to finish the school term.