Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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2644.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration can be given to reviewing the restriction on a student's own income from part-time work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33149/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a student’s earning is taken into consideration over the year and is treated as income with the exception of earnings over holiday periods. Over the past few Budgets, the amount a student can earn during holiday periods (Easter, summer and Christmas) has increased. This amount has increased from €6,552 in the 2023/2024 academic year to €7,925 in the 2024/2025 academic year in line with the increase in minimum wage. Earnings over the holiday periods up to a maximum of €7,925 shall be exempt in the 2024/25 academic year.

In advance of Budget 2025 this autumn, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various possible measures to reduce the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to improve student supports. I will have regard to this option when making proposals in the context of budget discussions.