Third-level students will be “really hurt” by the Government’s decision not to extend last year’s €1,000 reduction in undergraduate fees, student representatives have warned.
Higher Education Minister James Lawless confirmed over the weekend that “as it stands”, the universal cut to college fees will not be repeated in this year’s budget. This means undergraduate students who benefited from reduced fees of €2,000 will see them return to the previous €3,000 level.
The minister explained that last year’s fee reduction was part of a cost-of-living package that is not being replicated this year. However, he maintained his commitment to reducing the Student Contribution Fee over the coalition’s lifetime “in a financially sustainable manner.”
Bryan O’Mahony, deputy president of Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), said the union understood the temporary measure “would eventually become a permanent reduction” and that the government was working toward complete abolishment of fees.
“For us, we don’t see it as a great start for the long-term reduction if the first year of the government’s plan is to raise it back up to its original fee,” O’Mahony told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
He warned that the fee increase would force students to defer their degrees or seek education elsewhere in Europe, particularly affecting those without family financial support who are already struggling with accommodation costs and rising rents.
Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty described the decision as “a scandalous slap in the face for families during an escalating cost-of-living crisis.” The party is calling for student fees to be reduced by €1,500 in September as a first step toward ending student fees entirely.
Labour’s Higher Education spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon called the move “completely out of touch,” arguing it would burden families when living costs and college-area rents remain unaffordable.