Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
97. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will retain the €1,000 reduction in fees for the 2023-2024 college year given the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59850/22]
View answerI am acutely conscious of the cost of living challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to education.
As part of the 2022 cost of living response in the recent Budget, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their families.
These measures include, for the 2022/23 academic year, a reduction in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students. Eligible full time students will benefit from a once off reduction in the student contribution rate of €1,000. Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will see the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.
In addition to the once off cost-of-living measures, I was also very pleased to secure Government's agreement to the introduction of a permanent new rate of student contribution support through SUSI from September 2023.
For students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000, there will be a new grant of €500 towards the undergraduate student contribution. I am also increasing the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant. These measures mean that up to 50,000 extra students may be eligible for help towards paying the undergraduate student contribution.
The changes I am implementing will see a real, tangible and permanent reduction in costs for eligible students and clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to sustainably address cost as a barrier to education.
