Senator Slams Government Plan to Increase Student Fees

29 June 2025

Senator Slams Government Plan to Increase Student Fees - The Labour Party

  • Government Must Not Roll Back on College Affordability

Labour’s Further and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon has criticised plans by Minister James Lawless to reverse the reduction in student fees introduced last year. Speaking today following comments by the Minister, Senator Harmon said any such move would be a major setback for college affordability and a further burden on students and their families. Labour is calling for the Minister to urgently reconsider this regressive proposal.

Senator Harmon said:

“This Government is planning to roll back the clock when it comes to making college affordable. Reversing the student fee reduction sends a clear signal that access to third-level education is not a priority for this Government.

“At a time when the cost of living remains sky-high and when rents in college areas are completely unaffordable this move would hit families where it hurts. It’s completely out of touch.

“Last week, the Minister for Housing added insult to injury by rowing back on protections for student renters. Now, Minister Lawless wants to add financial pressure on top. It’s clear that this Government has no coherent strategy when it comes to supporting students.

”We have to ask – was last year’s modest reduction in fees just a cynical vote-buying exercise ahead of the general election?

“And what of the promises from Simon Harris, who made all the right noises about reducing fees to zero? Where is that ambition now? Instead, students are being told to tighten their belts again while this Government boasts about budget surpluses.

“We need long-term thinking when it comes to education – not short-term accounting. College should not be a luxury. If the Government goes ahead with this hike, it will be a deeply unpopular move from an increasingly unpopular Government.

“Labour is calling on Minister Lawless to urgently reconsider this proposal, and instead commit to building a long-term plan for affordable access to higher education for all.”

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