Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1904. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to address the higher costs for students of University College Limerick, to repeat exams, modules and years given they appear to be substantially higher than comparable colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11137/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Fees incurred to undertake a repeat examination or period of study are a matter for individual higher education institutions. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies under the relevant legislation. The management of their academic affairs, including the level of repeat tuition or examination fees to be charged, are solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria. In this regard any repeat fees payable by a student will vary by institution.

Budget 2025 included a package of measures to support households with the cost of education. These measures include a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students that are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative (FFI). This reduction followed on from similar once off student contribution reductions in Budgets 2023 and 2024 for free fees eligible students.

Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which has been supplemented by a further €10m under the cost of education supports in Budget 2025. Students in need of support can apply to the Access Office in their higher education institution. This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.

More information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1905. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an unfair situation that has arisen (details supplied) will be addressed; if he will intervene and allow for the processing of this application in light of the fact that the delay in the person’s eligibility was a direct result in the delay in the processing of their mother’s working family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11207/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The 1916 Bursary is a limited scheme which means the application process must have an opening and a closing date. However, I have asked officials from my Department to examine this case in light of the facts that the Deputy has brought to my attention. The outcome of this will be communicated to applicant.

I would also like to bring to the Deputy's attention the Student Assistance Fund which is for students experiencing financial hardship, which may also be of assistance to the student. Details of other supports available can be found on and through the Access office where the student attends college.