132. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices that will benefit from the once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45576/23]

The impact that the cost of living is having on our apprentices continues to be a concern. For my part, in addition to the more broad measures taken by this government, apprentices will specifically benefit from funding of €3.8m for a one-third reduction in the Apprenticeship Student Contribution Fee for those attending Higher Education Institutions in the 2023/24 academic year. This measure is targeted at relieving the immediate pressure associated with making this payment. It is anticipated that approximately 11,000 apprentices in higher education could benefit from this measure.