Government plans to raise student fees by a grand criticised

Politicians from opposition parties have criticised plans by the government to raise student contribution fees by €1,000 per year.

The news, which filtered out in it’s typical style (drip fed through Sunday newspapers) has been criticsed by Social Democrats TD and education spokesperson Jen Cummins.

Cummins said that raising the student contribution fee by €1,000 per year, in the context of a cost of living crisis that has continued unabated since 2022, will make third-level education “more inaccesible.”

The Dublin South Central TD said “this proposal comes as students and families across the country are already grappling with unprecedented cost-of-living pressures and an acute crisis in student accommodation.”

“Minister Lawless has before stated that he intends to reduce fees over the lifetime of this government – we are already seven months into this term, so what is he waiting for?” she asked.

Cummins noted that Ireland is “staring into a worsening accommodation crisis” and warned of a climate where wstudents are being priced out of their education before they even step foot on campus.

the average rent for student accommodation in Dublin is now over €1,200 a month, which is comparable to a full-time minimum wage salary.

“In contrast, students in cities like Berlin pay closer to €400, and in Lisbon, many pay between €300 and €500 – Ireland is now one of the most expensive countries in Europe to be a student,” Cummins noted.

“It is increasingly common to hear of students commuting almost two hours each way because they simply cannot afford to live near their colleges, with some deferring courses or dropping out entirely – raising fees now will push the affordability of a third level education away from countless students.

“Our universities are not businesses, and our students are not customers. Education is a right, not a privilege, and it is time the Government acted accordingly – the minister must show real leadership, not just empty promises.”

Green councillor Eva Dowling said, “third-level students and their families deserve better than false promises. This government should scrap the €1,000 hike in fees without delay, so that students can prepare and budget for the academic term ahead.”

Fine Gael TD Maeve O’Connell said, “to put this in context, for every €1 increase in social welfare rates, the cost is approximately €75 – €80 million. A €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee costs €99 million. These are the choices that the government will need to make as part of the budget.”

“We must build on the progress made in recent years and I will engage with the Tánaiste and relevant minister to ensure the commitments in the Programme for Government – including the continued reduction in the student contribution fee – is delivered.”