Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider abolishing third level student fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40033/24]

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.

As part of Budget 2025 we have introduced a range of cost of living supports and permanent adjustments to further support students with tuition fee and other costs.

The cost-of-living measures includes one off funded reductions in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students and an increase in the Postgraduate Fee Contribution for 2024/25.

The Government has introduced a number of measures aimed at addressing the cost of education which support students and their families. In recent years we have made significant improvements to fee supports available through SUSI including the introduction of a €500 student contribution grant, the introduction of part time fee grants for the first time and the full restoration of student maintenance grants for postgraduates.

Under the student grant scheme operated by SUSI on behalf of my Department, over 43,000 students had their fees fully paid in the last academic year. A further 24,000 students either had half their fees paid or received a €500 grant towards their student contribution.

I am making further permanent improvements to the Student Grant Schemes effective from September 2025 by increasing income thresholds and the Government is increasing the Rent Tax Credit to €1,000. I'm also providing additional funding for students via the Student Assistance Fund.

These changes demonstrate the Government's the cost of education in a sustainable manner alongside improving the wider supports available to students and their families.