Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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489. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm whether a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee will be put in place for undergraduate students eligible for the free-fee scheme in the academic year 2023/2024, similar to what was introduced for these students in the academic year 2022/2023 as per Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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490. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm whether consideration would be given to reducing the student contribution fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.

I am conscious of the cost of living challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to education.

As part of the 2022 cost of living response in the Budget, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their families. These measures included, for the 2022/23 academic year, a reduction in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students. Eligible full time students are benefiting from a once off reduction in the student contribution rate of €1,000. Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI are benefitting proportionally and are seeing the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.

In addition to the once off cost-of-living measures, I was also very pleased to secure Government agreement to the introduction of a permanent new rate of student contribution support through SUSI from September 2023.

For students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000, there will be a new grant of €500 towards the undergraduate student contribution. I am also increasing the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant. These measures mean that up to 50,000 extra students may be eligible for additional help towards paying the undergraduate student contribution.

The changes I am implementing will see a real, tangible and permanent reduction in costs for eligible students and clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to sustainably address cost as a barrier to education.