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To: Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless
Keep Your Promise - Don't Hike University Fees
Minister Lawless - don't hike 3rd level fees. Despite what the government says, essential living costs—housing, energy, groceries—remain high. Keep your party's manifesto promise, and your government's Programme for Governments promise, and maintain the €2,000 student contribution fee.
Why is this important?
The decision to restore the student contribution fee to €3,000 represents more than just an additional €1,000 expense - it creates a significant financial barrier for thousands of students and families.
Many do not qualify for means-based grants and are already struggling under high living costs, including steep rent and energy bills. This reversal flies in the face of the Programme for Government’s promise to “continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government”.
USI, the national student union, has voiced serious concern, warning that this rollback could lead to increased deferral rates, dropouts, or a migration of students abroad .
This move comes despite the Government sitting on an estimated €8.5 billion surplus and would cost just around €100 million to maintain the €2,000 fee . This isn't merely a budgetary decision—it’s a question of whether our politicians keeps their promises, prioritise equity in education, and invest in the future of Ireland’s higher education.
Many do not qualify for means-based grants and are already struggling under high living costs, including steep rent and energy bills. This reversal flies in the face of the Programme for Government’s promise to “continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government”.
USI, the national student union, has voiced serious concern, warning that this rollback could lead to increased deferral rates, dropouts, or a migration of students abroad .
This move comes despite the Government sitting on an estimated €8.5 billion surplus and would cost just around €100 million to maintain the €2,000 fee . This isn't merely a budgetary decision—it’s a question of whether our politicians keeps their promises, prioritise equity in education, and invest in the future of Ireland’s higher education.