9. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of third level fees in 2024 and 2025. [54973/25]
Sentiment score: 0.13
My question refers to the difference between third level fees in 2024 and in 2025. It is a very straightforward question, but it does not seem to be so for members of the Government. It is very frustrating for Members of the House and students and their families. People's backs are broken trying to make ends meet in respect of day-to-day costs. To top it off, they have to deal with the massive expense of putting themselves or their children through college. Essentially, student fees have increased. Why is the Government trying to sell this as a reduction? Fees are up this year.
Sentiment score: -0.01
I will go back to what this is costing hard-working families. People are very smart and they know they have been charged an additional €500 this year compared to the fees they paid last year. The Minister said the Government reduced the fees last year. It contested the election on reducing them further, but then increased them. That is what happened. There is a myth in Ireland that, as the Minister said, we have free fees and education, but that is not the lived reality or what people feel on the ground. They do not feel that is the case in early years education or in our schools. There are voluntary contributions in schools which parents have to pay because schools are unable to subsidise themselves. The Government advertised a policy of free fees and said it is doing a lot for the people, but the reality is that college fees and school contributions are coming out of people's pockets. Everything is on families.
Sentiment score: 0.12
Sinn Féin advocated for a €500 decrease this year, but instead of that the Minister has increased it. I want him to recognise that fact and let people know that fees have increased by €500 this year. He should not fool people. They are not silly and recognise what is happening. I am a parent and I realise, like everybody else, that fees have gone up. The Minister can provide big figures like €628 million, but people are paying their taxes towards that. The Government has to recognise that. People are paying their taxes towards this, but have to pay additional costs every year for education. Education in this country is not free.
Sentiment score: 0.12
11. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure the adequate provision of accommodation for students. [54974/25]
Sentiment score: 0.24
My question to the Minister is in relation to the provision of accommodation for students. When students got their CAO results and started college this year, there was huge excitement about being sent off to college and everything. However, stress was induced a few days later with the experience of trying to acquire accommodation, which was impossible because of the increased cost of third level, in particular, and the cost of accommodation at campuses, which is not always available. Worryingly, we now see that students signed leases before the CAO offers were made just to ensure they had accommodation. What are the Minister's proposals in relation to accommodation?
Sentiment score: 0.17
I very much welcome all the ideas the Minister has put forward. However, I appreciate that the previous strategy is coming to an end. Were all the ideas the previous Minister came up with in that strategy acted on and did they all fall into place? The previous strategy was to cover 2017 to 2021. I understand that it has come to an end, but I would like to see whether the actions in that strategy actually happened. Actions are great, but I like to see work done and things happen. I welcome the Minister's intention to increase the number of apartments for students, but I want to see action on the ground. Will this be delivered over a five-year basis, and will there be a certain amount done in each year?
Sentiment score: 0.36
The Minister said that the actions in the previous strategy did come good, but how come students cannot get accommodation this year? With the new strategy, will purpose-built student complexes charge additional affordable service and utility charges? Will the Minister ensure that additional charges and rent hikes will not happen again in rent pressure zones, and that the purpose-built accommodation will be retained for this purpose specifically? Can the Minister promise that?
Sentiment score: 0.03