2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science following the reduction to higher education student fees, if he will provide assurance that student fees will not rise again in the future; if he is considering fully abolishing further and higher education student fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14941/25]

Sentiment score: 0.21

I have a suggestion for the Minister. It is to abolish all fees for third level and for apprenticeships. We have critical shortages in skills across our economy and across our society. It makes no sense to have fees. My question today particularly relates to the Union of Students in Ireland's concerns that not only is the Government not going to abolish fees, which it should, but it is actually thinking of getting rid of the once-off reduction of €1,000, which was brought in over the last years. The Minister commented to that effect recently. Will the Minister give us an assurance that this will not happen and that we will move in the other direction?

Sentiment score: -0.06

Yes, the Minister comes in and then Deputy McGettigan gets to respond.

Sentiment score: 0.40

It is unusual for Priority Questions to be grouped.

Sentiment score: 0.00

It is unusual for Priority Questions to be grouped.

Sentiment score: 0.00

Yeah, right. Is the Minister considering getting rid of the temporary reduction in fees or not? He should just tell us straight. He should not get rid of it. Doing so is outrageous and he should be going in the opposite direction. Why? There is now a 15% dropout rate among undergraduates. Five thousand drop out in first year, representing an increase in recent times up to 12% from 9%. What government could stand over that when we have shortages in the construction profession, trades, the healthcare sector and industry? There is nowhere without a shortage of skills. It is insane to put financial and other barriers in the way of people. Students are dropping out not only because of fees but also because of financial hardship. The cost-of-living impact on families is clearly a factor. There are also the costs of accommodation and travel, stress and mental health pressure, but the financial aspect is big. It would cost €255 million to get rid of fees and €100 million to get rid of postgraduate fees, and a fraction of that to get rid of apprenticeship costs, which we discussed earlier. It would be money well invested in people we need to make our society function.

Sentiment score: -0.05

If 5,000 undergraduates dropping out each year does not concern the Minister, he really needs to rethink his being the Minister for higher education. It is obvious that we have an urgent problem affecting our entire economy and society owing to the lack of skilled people, as well as the mental health issues and all the stress put on the students who drop out and their families. I suspect there is a financial reason. Every year, the most profitable multinational corporations get €800 million in research and development tax credits. These are companies that are already making astonishing profits. I suggest that the Minister redirect some of this tax credit money towards getting rid of fees for students, postgraduates and apprentices. That would benefit our society a hell of a lot more and be a lot better for the sustainability of our economy and society. This is a simple suggestion on how to pay.

Sentiment score: 0.06