Young Fine Gael calls on the Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science,
James Lawless, to provide some much-needed clarity for third-level students in Ireland following
confusion regarding the student contribution in recent comments.
For the last number of years, the student contribution fee has been cut by €1,000, meaning that students
who do not get their student contribution covered by SUSI pay €2,000. While this is still far too expensive,
and Young Fine Gael believes it should eventually be abolished, the very least that can be done is to
continue the €1,000 reduction.
Comments from Minister Lawless recently hinting that the fee could return to previous figures and stating
that it is not “fair or proportionate” are not helpful to students in Ireland and are a slap in the face to those
who are paying among the highest rents in Europe, dealing with inflation, an increased cost of living, and
already some of the most expensive student fees in Europe.
Many students are not eligible for the SUSI grant, and until the grant system is reformed, the €1,000
reduction initiated by An Tánaiste Simon Harris when he was in the role must be continued.
Young Fine Gael President Jamie Malone said, “3rd level students in Ireland need clarity. Minister Lawless
must provide clear assurances that the €1,000 reduction in student contribution will be maintained, as it
remains an essential lifeline for many students facing an increasingly difficult financial burden.”
ENDS