Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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3375. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the need to create a student finance model that will provide interest-free loans to students that do not qualify for SUSI grants to support the associated costs of attending third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42401/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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3376. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if any comparative analysis has been done by his Department into the availability of State-backed low-interest loans, provided by other EU countries, to support students to afford expenses related to attending third level institutions separate to specific fees for their course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42402/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 3375 and 3376 together.

I am committed to easing the financial burden on students and families by reducing the cost of education in a sustainable, equitable and targeted way.

In recent years, a once-off €1,000 reduction to this contribution has been provided for as part of cost-of-living packages for students over the last three budgets. These reductions were implemented after the beginning of the relevant academic years. While temporary measures introduced in the last three budgets provided welcome relief, they were never designed to be permanent solutions. Therefore, I am approaching Budget 2026 by considering measures that can be made on a permanent basis.

I’m conscious of the various expenses that students may experience, which are not limited to tuition fees or other fees payable by students. Therefore, I want to look at all possible options to support students and their families with the cost of education.

In terms of current supports for medium and low-income families it is important to note that Student Contribution supports are available through the Student Grant Scheme as administered by SUSI. In 2024/25, approximately 65,000 students received student contribution grants from SUSI. These supports range from full coverage to partial grants of 50% or €500. The €500 grant, introduced in 2023, is now a permanent feature of the scheme.

From this September, we will increase the income thresholds for student grants by 15%, expanding access to even more students. These income threshold changes will see the threshold for the €500 student contribution grant increase from €100,000 to €115,000.

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 the discussion and help to identify the key policy priorities to support students 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 will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.