Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1432. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider introducing measures to help families with more than one child going to college in terms of the fees. [49222/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy may be aware that we already have a support in place for families that have two or more children attending higher education. The Tax Relief on Tuition Fees Paid for Third Level Education is available to families with two or more children attending higher education or for families paying fees above €3,000. Details of this tax relief measure is available at:

I am acutely conscious of the financial 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.

The last three budgets have included various once-off, cost-of-living measures, including measures to reduce the cost of education. I am keen to continue supporting measures that ease the financial burden on students and their families however, it has been confirmed that no “cost of living” ancillary package will be provided from central government in the current year. On that basis, I need to look at various policy options available to me ahead of Budget 2026.

In recent months I’ve hosted a cost of education event to better inform the decisions on this issue and to meet with representative groups. This event was attended by key stakeholders from the tertiary education sector. The event served as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues. I have also met recently with various student union representatives and will have further meetings on issues affecting students prior to the budget.

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments aimed at reducing the cost of further and higher education. I fully intend to progress these commitments in a way that is equitable, funded, and 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. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2026.

While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the upcoming 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 2026 negotiations.