Soc Dems call government “delusional” over cost of 3rd-level education

Social Democrats TD and education spokesperson Jen Cummins has said that 3rd-level education is now a “pipe dream” for countless families.

15 years on from Labour entering government on the back of a student-led support and subsequently having fees raised on them as part of austerity measures, fees for 3rd-level education in Ireland are now the highest in Europe.

Research from the Irish Independent’s Feeder School report found that 59% of DEIS school students went on to 3rd-level education in 2025, a drop from 64% in 2024.

Cummins, TD for Dublin South Central, said “success means different things for different people – it is not a normative concept, and should not be treated as one.”

“The cost of living crisis, defined by unassailable rents and house prices, skyrocketing grocery prices and runaway energy bills, has left many families with no other choice but to rely on charity assistance for educational costs.”

“Worse still, more and more families are forced to make the decision to withdraw from further education due to the financial barrier to entry.”

The Soc Dems TD said “too many middle-income families are being cut off from SUSI and other grants which would enable their children to study at third level – as inflation continues to rise, grants must be adjusted accordingly so that nobody misses out.”

“For those students who require rental accommodation to attend their chosen course, the situation has become completely untenable – a lack of viable rental options and eye-watering monthly rates keep anyone but the very wealthy from student accomodation.”

In a meeting with Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (the new name for the USI) elected representatives such as Cummins were informed that students are now travelling over two hours each way just to attend lectures, a situation which Cummins called “unsustainable.”

Prior to the 2026 Budget, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless claimed that the measures would provide “permanent support for students and their families,” and his measures would drive “real, lasting change” for 3rd-level students and their families.

The much-maligned Student Contribution Charge was reduced from €3,000 in the most recent Budget to €2,500; the fee was initially set at €2,000 by then-Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn in 2011 and saw numerous rises over the years, and played a part in Ireland becoming the most expensive country in the EU for 3rd-level education.

Cummins poured cold water on Lawless’ claims, calling them “delusional.”

“His comments show a complete lack of empathy for the thousands of students who are forced from education or must make dire sacrifices to continue.”

“If the Minister is serious about improving access to higher education, he must make it clear to his colleagues in government that the cost of living crisis must be tackled on every front, as well as get his own house in order regarding student costs,” she said.