Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1648. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being considered to provide greater financial supports for PAYE families who are just above the threshold for SUSI grants and are bearing significant higher education costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29294/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am committed to addressing the costs of education for students and their families progressively over the coming years.

It's important to say up front that all proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants, are considered in the context of the annual Budget in October.

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.

All income threshold limits for Student Grants increased in Budget 2025, and the following improvements will come into effect from September 2025:

• The special rate of maintenance threshold will increase from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare increases.
• All other maintenance and student contribution grant thresholds will increase by 15%. To put this in context: for a family with fewer than four children, grant thresholds in this category have increased within a range of €6,135 to €15,000.
• The postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the part-time scheme threshold will also increase to match the new 100% Student Contribution threshold which will now be €64,315.

This is the largest increase to maintenance thresholds since the creation of SUSI and underlines the Government’s commitment to inclusion. This measure will ensure students in need of financial assistance are not disadvantaged by recent rising income growth including students who are under-represented in Higher Education.