692. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends to reduce the student contribution fee as part of Budget 2027, given the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the fee over the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67007/26]

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. I have increased the SUSI income threshold for the €500 student fee grant to €120,000; so that even more students and families can qualify for additional grant supports.

These changes are meaningful steps toward a fairer, more affordable system and were cognisant of the need to support middle income families.

Looking ahead, I will continue to consider all options available to me to improve the overall student support framework and deliver on our Programme for Government commitments during this Budgetary cycle.