Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1834. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will retain the current fees for third level education in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18301/23]
View answer1835. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will cap fees for third level education in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1834 and 1835 together.
As part of the cost of living response in Budget 2023, 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 once off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution.
I have been clear that I want to see the student's contribution towards tuition fees in higher education reduce in a meaningful way over the course of future budgets. In this regard, I was 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 payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students.
I am also increasing the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant. These measures mean that 42,500 to 50,000 extra students may be eligible for additional help towards paying the undergraduate student contribution once these measures come into effect.
In advance of Budget 2024 this autumn, and as I did last year, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various measures to address the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to these options, including any options in respect of reducing tuition fee or tuition fee contribution costs, when making proposals regarding student supports in the context of Budget discussions later in the year.
