Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
37. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans to introduce free higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36675/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education, within the overall context of Government policy towards costs of living and other relevant strategies including those related to access and participation in education.
With this in mind, it is important to highlight the very substantial financial support, currently well in excess of half a billion euro, provided by the taxpayer towards tuition fees and the student contribution for students in higher education. This comprises State funding of tuition costs amounting to €357m per annum for 146,000 eligible higher education students and €190m paid by the Exchequer under the Student Grant Scheme in respect of all or some of the €3,000 student contribution which benefits over 65,000 eligible students.
As I look towards the next budgetary cycle, I will be examining all the levers I have to address the cost of education in a way that has impact for students and families and that applies broadly and fairly across society. In advance of the Budget, my Department will be publishing, for the first time, a costs of education paper which will set out the possible policy options, and their indicative costs, to aid public discussion on how we should prioritise any interventions to address costs of education.
I have, however, been clear and consistent in stating that I believe the student contribution is too high, and that a priority for me in the forthcoming Estimates process will be to seek a reduction, particularly in the context of the cost of living challenges being experienced by families.
I also recognise that the overall funding provided by the student contribution, which is shared between the students and families and the State, is a significant element of the income of our higher education institutions. The student contribution rate therefore requires consideration not just in the context of costs of education for families but also in terms of implications for the sustainable model of funding higher education.
My policy position in this regard was articulated in Funding our Future, the Government's policy response to the Cassells and DG Reform Reviews on the future funding of higher education. Sustainable funding for the sector and measures to address the cost of education must proceed in tandem if we are to meet our ambition of improved outcomes for learners and the system as a whole.
In addition it is important to highlight the expanding pathways to post leaving cert education which are accessible to all learners as they prepare for their chosen career. In addressing this, as part of budget 2022, we have removed the Post Leaving Certificate participant contribution fee of €200. This will come into effect in September 2022.
We are working hard to introduce new apprenticeship programmes, such as the ones in bar managing and wind turbine maintenance which we launched in March, and we have also improved the financial incentives on offer to employers to take on apprentices, particularly female ones.
We are also working hard to improve pathways from further to higher education as part of our Unified Tertiary System strategy. There should be no barriers for students who want to pursue their chosen educational and career goals.
For the academic year 2022/23, we will also see significant enhancements to the financial supports that students who need them most receive through the Student Grant Scheme; where:
- There will be an increase to all student grant maintenance payments, including the special rate of grant, of €200 per year which will benefit all students entitled to receive a maintenance Grant;
- The income threshold to qualify for the standard rate of student grant will be increased by €1,000;
- The qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant will be reduced from 45km to 30km.
My Department also provides funding by way of the Students Assistance Fund to students in eligible Higher Education Institutions who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. The total allocation for the Fund in the 2021/22 academic year, including additional Covid supports, is € 18.5 million.
