938. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to make higher education more affordable since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53486/26]

Over the past number of Budgets my Department has made significant enhancements to the Student Grant Scheme, including changes to income thresholds and maintenance rates, benefitting thousands of students.

From September 2025 all income threshold limits for Student Grants were increased

• The special rate of maintenance threshold has increased from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare increases.

• All other maintenance and student contribution grant thresholds increased by 15%.

• The postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the part-time fee scheme threshold have increased to match the new 100% Student Contribution threshold which is now €64,315.

The measures to increase the income thresholds recognise the increase in income growth over the past few years and the effect that this has had on student supports and the number of students eligible to receive a student grant. For the academic year 2025/26, Undergraduate students whose household reckonable income was under €115,000 may have been eligible for financial support through the Student Grant Scheme.

Other measures announced in Budget 2025 included:

• The Rent Tax Credit for students living in various accommodations increased from €750 to €1,000.

• The first €5,000 of any scholarship or bursary received by a student is not included in the income assessment for grants, making it easier for students to receive financial support.

On top of the measures implemented in 2025, I was delighted to announce a major Budget 2026 package that provides permanent changes to support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.

Effective from September 2026, all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, will increase by at least €200 for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution. A pro Rata increase was already introduced from January 2026.

I hvae permanently reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students from €3,000 to €2,500 and increased the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant from €4,000 to €4,500.

Effective from September 2026,

• eligible students with household earnings under €120,000 will avail of the €500 student contribution grant. These students will therefore pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.

• The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant will increase from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases.

I’ve also provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is €260k up on the previous year.

The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched in March 2026, sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.

These measures reflect the government's commitment to reducing the financial burden on students and enhancing access to education in Ireland.

From day one, I’ve been focused on making education more affordable and accessible. I have hosted two ‘Cost of Education’ conferences in 2025 and 2026, which brought together a range stakeholders to examine key educational cost issues for students and their families. Budget 2026 follows through on that commitment, and delivers real, lasting change.

As I look ahead to the next Budget for 2027 it is a priority for me to again examine all options available to improve supports to students. While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students, and reduce financial barriers, will be a key priority for me as part of Estimates and Budget negotiations.