Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25066/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious of the fiscal challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. I am committed to easing this burden for students and their families in a financially sustainable way.

Specifically, in relation to the matters raised, it is important to note that all students eligible for the Free Fees Initiative receive state support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution. Over 143,000 undergraduate students benefit from the scheme each year, at a cost of over €368 million. This universal scheme is paid as a grant on behalf of students without any means testing. Students pay a student contribution of €3,000 per academic year. However, the State pays this contribution, fully or partially, for a significant number of students who qualify for SUSI grant support.

From September 2025, we are increasing the SUSI grant thresholds by 15% so that more students can avail of SUSI funding supports towards the student contribution. Following those recent revisions, households with an income up to €115,000 per annum can now qualify for at least some subvention towards their fees.

A once-off €1,000 reduction to the student contribution has been provided for as part of cost-of-living packages for students over the last three Budgets. It is important to note that these represented once off temporary interventions which were subject to supplementary funding each Budget in the form of a cost-of-living package.

As I look ahead to the next Budget no decisions have been made regarding policy choices and I remain open to hearing the views of stakeholders. I hosted a cost of education event on 3 April 2025 to better inform the decisions on this issue and to meet with representative groups. This event was attended by apprentices, students, representatives of the student population, access officers, student services employees, people who work with students on a day-to-day basis, organisations who advocate for underrepresented students in education and policy makers. The event served as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues.

The Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution in a financially sustainable manner, over the lifetime of this Government. I fully intend to progress this, starting from the base figure of €3,000 and advancing measures to reduce that over time in a way that is equitable, funded, fair and less reliant on temporary subventions which, whilst providing welcome relief, remain uncertain from year to year.

Ahead of Budget 2026, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education and this paper will inform decision-making.