4093. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost if the student contribution charge for free eligible students was reduced from €2,500 to €2,200; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63402/26]

The Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.

In my first budget as Minister for Higher Education, I delivered on this commitment. I have reduced the student contribution by €500, and I did so in a financially sustainable way. This flat rate reduction has reduced the student contribution fee from €3,000 to €2,500; the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.

Previous temporary measures, whilst providing welcome relief for students and their families, remained uncertain from year to year. By implementing a permanent reduction, I have provided certainty for students on the student contribution for those who pay it. In this regard, it is important to also note that tens of thousands of students have their student contribution paid in full or part by SUSI, with over 71,000 students receiving supports last year.

If the student contribution were to be reduced by a further €300, bringing the charge down to €2,200, it is estimated that it would cost circa €32.7 million annually to implement.

In looking at future options to improve the student support framework, I must have regard to the Government’s overall expenditure management and budgetary policy. Whilst the recent Government decision to levy Departments to cover expenditure pressures in the Department of Education may limit the options available to me in this year’s budget, it won't diminish my resolve to deliver for students and their families.