Taoiseach Confirms No Funding to Prevent €1,000 Third-Level Fee Hike This Year

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that the Government is committed to reducing student fees over time, but there is currently no funding allocated to prevent a €1,000 increase in fees this year. In the past two years, a cost of living payment reduced the student contribution by €1,000, but this one-off payment will not be available this year. Divisions have emerged within the Coalition regarding an increase in college fees.

During a visit to Japan, Mr. Martin highlighted the challenges posed by the absence of cost-of-living packages in the budget. He emphasized the Government's commitments to research investment, the Susi grant for third-level education, and additional supports for students with disabilities. The issue of student fees will be part of negotiations among ministers and the Minister for Public Expenditure.

The outcome of these negotiations will depend on the Government's allocation for current expenditure in the upcoming year. Tánaiste Simon Harris mentioned that this year's budget could still support college students, but there will be no cost-of-living package before Christmas. The Government aims to reduce the costs of college education, and the process of paying fees in installments is encouraged.

The fees issue sparked debates in the Dáil, with opposition parties criticizing the proposed fee increase. Despite the opposition pressure, the Government defended its measures for reducing student fees in the long term. The Taoiseach's visit to Japan includes the opening of Ireland House in Tokyo and a visit to the Irish pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.