178. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is giving consideration to a reduction in fees or support grant to assist apprentices who pay a pro-rata registration fee (student contribution), if their off-the-job training takes place within an institute of technology or technological university. [34349/26]

I am conscious of the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address financial challenges facing learners. It is a priority for my Department to explore the most effective and sustainable ways to support learners in managing these challenges.

It is important to note that there are no fees for undertaking a national apprenticeship programme. However, a student contribution fee is paid by apprentices when attending Higher Education Institutions, with the fee rate aligned to the student contribution payable by undergraduate students eligible for the free fees initiative.

As part of Budget 2026, Minister Lawless and I announced a permanent reduction in the free fees initiative Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500 for undergraduate students eligible for the free fees initiative and, applied on a pro rata basis, has lowered the student contribution by 17% for apprentices attending Higher Education. In regard to apprentices, €2.5 million was set aside for this purpose and, over the 2025/26 academic year, this will benefit approximately 14,000 apprentices.

As part of Budget 2026, it was important for Minister Lawless and I to make permanent, sustainable interventions that would give learners certainty. With this permanent measure Minister Lawless and I have done that. This is the first time the student contribution has been permanently reduced.

While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next budget, I can assure the Deputy that minister Lawless and I will consider all options available to me to reduce the cost of education for apprentices, students and their families.