Taoiseach hints at possible student fee cuts despite coalition split over third-level funding

Micheál Martin says fee reductions could happen during the Government’s term, but warns the upcoming budget will be tough

The Taoiseach has left open the possibility of cutting the student contribution fee during the lifetime of the Government, amid a row between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over third-level education costs.

Micheál Martin admitted it would be difficult to cut student fees again in the upcoming budget, highlighting the “challenges” facing the Coalition’s next financial plan.

Speaking in Tokyo, Mr Martin said the Government wants to introduce reforms that can be sustained across its five-year term.

“The Tánaiste and I, and Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister Jack Chambers have agreed that there won’t be a cost of living package this year,” Mr Martin said.

“What we’re going to try and do is mainstream reforms and commitments in the Programme for Government into the Budget, that will be sustained then over a period of time. But that will create challenges for us in the first year.” 

The comments follow confirmation from higher education minister James Lawless over the weekend that student fees — cut by €1,000 over the last three years — would return to €3,000, as this year’s budget will not include a cost-of-living package.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers are speaking to the media. Picture: Cillian Sherlock/PA Wire

But on Monday, Tánaiste Simon Harris criticised Mr Lawless’s remarks. In a voice note sent to Fine Gael TDs and Senators, Mr Harris said it was “true to say” there won’t be a once-off package of measures before Christmas, but emphasised that “we all know that’s not how students pay college fees anyway.”

He stressed that "the regular budget is still something that can consider how we can help students and their families in the here and now."

Mr Harris added: "I just want to be very clear, the budget will obviously be agreed by Government with key input from party leaders, but it does need to help families with the cost of putting a young person through college.

“That's the programme for government that I've signed up for, it's the programme for government that Fine Gael has signed up for, it's one that commits to reducing fees on a permanent basis.” 

In Tokyo, Mr Martin said the Government also needs to examine other higher education priorities, including expanding the SUSI grant and improving access to third-level education for students with disabilities.

“There’s a broad range of priorities there. So it’ll all go forward to negotiations,” he said.

With student fees typically paid in instalments, Mr Martin was asked if it would be possible to cut the second instalment for students.

He said it “might be possible,” but emphasised that it is early days ahead of the October budget and such decisions will depend on the funding agreed by the Minister for Public Expenditure.