Tensions continue to mount in Coalition over potential student fee changes 

Tánaiste Simon Harris insisted that the Government is united on the issue of student fees

One Fine Gael minister laid the blame for tensions squarely at higher education minister James Lawless who said student fees, that were reduced by €1,000 over the past three years, will return to €3,000 as Budget 2026 will not contain a cost-of-living package which enabled the cut. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Government leaders have moved to put on a united front despite continuing private tensions over student fee changes in the upcoming Budget.

Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have stressed the coalition is committed to reducing the cost of third level education over the lifetime of the government, after differences of opinion emerged in recent days over whether student fees should be restored to €3,000 from this term.