Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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39. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the implementation of a ‘Second Chance’ provision, to ensure that students undertaking a repeat year or changing courses once can still access the free fees initiative, thereby avoiding financial penalties through higher fee rates, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26302/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The policy objective of both the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) and Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study and to support progression year on year within the same course.

In terms of tuition fee supports, first time students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via my Department's Free Fees Initiative. To avail of funding under the initiative, students must meet the criteria of the scheme including progression, nationality and residency rules.

The Free Fees Initiative does not currently provide support for a repeat period of study. However, in cases of ‘exceptional circumstances’, such as certified illness, an institution may use its discretion to offer free fees to a student who needs to repeat a year. Similar ‘exceptional circumstances’ rules apply under the SUSI scheme.

Where students do not qualify for free fees funding, they must pay the appropriate fee as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the Free Fees Initiative is a matter for the relevant institution to determine. Where a student requires guidance on the determination of such fees, it is necessary that a student engage with the fees office of the institution attended.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a number of commitments that will be progressed during the lifetime of this Government. One of these commitments relates to a ‘second chance’ option for students going through a repeat year or changing courses. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not feasible to deliver on all the Programme for Government commitments in year one. However, I do intend to progress the various commitments over the lifetime of this Government.

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. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2026.

While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.