John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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557. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered qualifying veterinary students in Hungary for student grants, similar to the process of allowing students in Northern Ireland access to grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37814/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Awaiting reply from Department.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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558. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will permanently reduce student fees by €1,500 and outline a plan to abolish fees over the next few years, in light of Ireland having the highest undergraduate fees in the EU, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37919/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am conscious of the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to attending higher education.

I have recently published an options paper (www.gov.ie/en/publication/db3c6-funding-the-future-an-annual-options-paper-on-the-cost-of-higher-education-2024/) which sets out the various possible measures to reduce the cost of attending higher education. I will have regard to these options when making proposals regarding student supports in the context of the budget discussions.

As the Deputy will appreciate, at this time it is not possible to provide an indication of any measures that may be introduced in Budget 2025.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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559. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expand the device lending scheme and invest in digital infrastructure to support hybrid learning and teaching in higher education institutions, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37920/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Awaiting reply from Department.