Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether he has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding the cost of college fees; the consideration being given, in the context of Budget 2027, to further reducing the student contribution in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely aware of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education.

The Deputy will be aware that Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.

Ahead of last year’s budget, I engaged extensively with student representatives, and key stakeholders in the tertiary education sector, to help me understand what changes to our student support framework mattered most to students and their families.

As part of Budget 2026, I introduced a permanent reduction of €500 in the Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500. This is the first permanent cut since free fees were introduced in 1995. It has benefitted around 108,000 undergraduate students and circa 14,000 apprentices who have seen up to a 17% pro-rata reduction.

It is also important to say, because this can be forgotten, that the State already pays the full student contribution for tens of thousands of learners on maintenance grants. The State also pays between €500 and 50% of the amount for those households earning under €115,000. As part of the Budget 2026 measures, I am raising this threshold to €120,000 for the next academic year.

In Budget 2026, I have also increased the grant rates for those who have to travel further to college, which took effect in January. I have also put additional funding into the Fund for Students with Disabilities and I have increased student mental health funding.

The recent Government decision to levy departments to cover expenditure pressures in other Departments may necessitate limitations on new measures in Budget 2027. Notwithstanding this, I will again pursue options that are equitable, funded, fair, and that build upon the permanent improvements that were made for the 2025/26 academic year. I will engage with students and stakeholders to identify what are the key measures that can be implemented to reduce the cost of education, including at the annual cost of education event which took place this week.

I will also engage with my Cabinet colleagues, including the Minister for Finance, to ensure that I have the necessary support to implement further improvements to the student support framework.

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.