Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to give favourable consideration to index linking SUSI maintenance grants in line with rising accommodation costs and the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious of the challenges facing students with the rising cost of education, including the cost and availability of student accommodation.

I have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and provides certainty for families.

Budget 2026 offered me my first opportunity to make real and permanent changes in support of students, which included the first ever permanent reduction in the Student Contribution fee of €500.

For students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution and to help with rent and travel costs, all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates will increase by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year.

The new Student Accommodation Strategy sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.

I also provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund, a fund that helps assist students financially with everyday costs, including rent and travel costs.

Just last week the government announced a new package of fuel supports which will also benefit students who are travelling to and from college.

The Department is working with the ESRI on integrating student support award criteria into the SWITCH model to inform future policy decisions on student supports.

I will publish, in the autumn, this year's Annual Options Paper which will help inform decision making ahead of Budget 2027. It is important to note however, that any amendments or extension to the student grant scheme, including indexing, has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the substantial number of competing demands on available funding.