Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
489. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee will be put in place for undergraduate students eligible for the free-fee scheme in the academic year 2023/2024, similar to what was introduced for these students in the academic year 2022/2023 as per Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra490. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether consideration would be given to reducing the student contribution fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
I am 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 Budget, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their families. These measures included, for the 2022/23 academic year, a reduction in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students. Eligible full time students are benefiting 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 are benefitting proportionally and are seeing 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 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 additional 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.
