Laura Harmon (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for the response. First, I note the positive indications regarding the student grant and the Government seeking to improve that and improve those supports. That has to be noted. However, it is an extremely disappointing and disrespectful answer to students and their families that this Government cannot give clarity to students on what the fee is going to be this September. I have people calling me - students and families - who are worried about the cost of living. They are sitting around kitchen tables asking whether they can afford to send their son or daughter, or in some cases multiple children, to college. We had a case of triplets in Cork whose family were wondering how they were going to afford €9,000 in fees, potentially, for the upcoming academic year. This is a huge cost to families at a time when the cost of living is rising. I can see no logic as to why the fee would now be increased when it was implemented as a cost-of-living measure but the cost of living and the cost of accommodation are rising in this country.

It raises the question as to whether this was a vote-buying measure. Was it just a vote-buying tactic for the electorate from parties that are now in government? It is the first thing the Government is coming out now and saying it will change. The student movement seems to be very united on this and will continue campaigning to ensure we do not have a fee increase in this country. As I say, the programme for Government commits to this. We hear of options papers. We had the Cassells report previously. This stinks of a kicking-the-can-down-the-road decision to me while students and families need clarity right now. Trinity College Dublin has already issued invoices to students for €3,000 for the coming academic year. This is extremely worrying and is causing huge distress to students and their families all across the country. The lack of clarity simply cannot continue from this Government. We need clarity. What is the fee going to be in September?