Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of the policy response to the Funding the Future framework published in May 2022, I identified the need to address cost as a barrier to higher education. I also outlined my intention to pursue funding measures on these issues through the Estimates process, including in respect of reductions to the student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students.

From September 2023, for the current academic year, I introduced a permanent new rate of student contribution grant via SUSI of €500, for students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000. I also increased the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant.

In Budget 2023 and Budget 2024, as part of one off funded cost of living measures, I was pleased to secure reductions of up to €1,000 in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students for academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24.

For 2023/2024, the estimated cost of the one off funded €1,000 reduction in the student contribution, reducing the contribution payable by free fees eligible students from €3,000 to €2,000, is circa €92 million. This is the estimated net cost to the State after adjusting for savings that would accrue on the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. Student data is not yet available for the 2024/25 academic year however, the cost would be expected to be of a similar magnitude.

In advance of Budget 2025, I will be publishing the annual options paper which will set out various possible measures to address matters pertaining to the cost of education. I introduced the concept of an annual options paper in order to facilitate a public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. These options will be considered as part of the deliberations around Budget 2025.