Minister’s U-turn on Student Fees Deepens Education Crisis
- Government backtracks on student fee reductions
Labour’s Further and Higher Education Spokesperson, Senator Laura Harmon, has criticised the Minister for Further and Higher Education for his recent comments questioning the value of reducing student contribution fees.
Senator Harmon said:
“Minister Lawless’ remarks in the Dáil today, echoing his statements from last week, signal a troubling reversal from the Government’s earlier commitments to alleviate the financial burden on students. While investment in student accommodation and course expansion is essential, we must not lose sight of the pressing need to make education accessible and affordable for all.
“The rising cost of living and persistent inflation have left many students and their families struggling to make ends meet. A recent study by the UCC Students’ Union revealed that 28% of students have attended lectures hungry, highlighting the severity of the situation.
“A recent OECD report revealed that Ireland ranks last out of 34 countries in education investment, spending only 2.8% of its GDP on education compared to the OECD average of 5.7%. This chronic underfunding extends to higher education, where the funding deficit must be urgently addressed to ensure quality and accessibility.
“My colleague, Eoghan Kenny TD, rightly pointed out that Minister Lawless has a ‘Niamh Bhreathnach’ opportunity to abolish student fees, as was done in the 1990s. Today, attaining a third-level education is as critical as the Leaving Certificate was in the 1980s. We must ensure that higher education is within reach for everyone, which will ultimately benefit our society and economy.
“Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The Government must reaffirm its commitment to reducing student fees and invest adequately in our education system to secure a brighter future for all.”