691. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the next review of SUSI income thresholds is due to take place. [67018/26]

I am very much aware that the rising cost of living continues to impact students, which is why the Government, through successive budgets, has sought to reduce the cost of higher education including through improvements to the student grant scheme.

Budget 2025 saw the largest ever increase to all standard Maintenance and Student Contribution Grant Thresholds by at least 15%. In addition, the special rate of maintenance threshold increased in line with Social Welfare increases and the postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the part-time fee scheme threshold increased to match the new 100% Student Contribution threshold.

From September 2026, the income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant increased from €115,000 - €120,000. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 26/27 academic year.

Other Budget 2026 enhancements that took effect from 1st September 2026 include:

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

• All non-adjacent maintenance grant rates for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution increased by between €200 - €430.

• Permanent increase in the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.

This year’s Annual Options Paper on reducing the cost of education was published on 8th September 2026. It sets out various measures and options to enhance student supports including options on further increasing income thresholds. This paper will help inform decision-making head of Budget 2027. It can be found at the following link: Funding the Future: An Annual Options Paper on reducing the Cost of Education

(www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/funding-the-future-an-annual-options-paper-on-reducing-the-cost-of-education/)

While I cannot confirm at this stage the specific items that will be included in the upcoming Budget, options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be key priorities for me as part of Budget negotiations.

It is important to note however, that any amendments or extension to the student grant scheme has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the substantial number of competing demands on available funding.