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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

College fees and student supports

Summary

The Deputy pressed for a straight answer on whether college costs will be €2,000 or €3,000. The Taoiseach said the issue would be clarified through the Estimates and budget process and mentioned possible extra supports for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

What will students and their families be asked to pay for college in September? Will it be €2,000 or €3,000? The Minister for higher education last night claimed that he believes in giving straight answers to a straight question, and then delivered a ten-minute speech in which he gaslit students and failed to answer that question at all. We have now had ten days of Government Ministers, including the Taoiseach, refusing to give a straight answer to that simple question. It is the question that was on the lips of students as they protested in big numbers at the gates of the Dáil last night. Will their fees be €2,000 or €3,000? Ten days on, will the Taoiseach now answer that question?

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I gave a comprehensive reply to the Deputy yesterday at Leaders' Questions. The simple matter is that we are in the same position this year as last year. There is an Estimates process under way and then there will be a budget. It is at that stage that clarity will be brought to a range of issues pertaining to supports for students-----

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That is in October.

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-----highlighting in particular that I would like to see additional supports for students with disabilities and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and through SUSI and thresholds to help a broad range of students.

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