Minister for Higher Education James Lawless has stated that student fees are expected to return to previous levels, marking the end of reduced fees.
In an interview with RTE News, Lawless stated that, although budget discussions have not yet begun, he does not expect that there will be a cost of living package this year. Last year’s cost of living package was responsible for the €1000 cut in student fees.
While Lawless did acknowledge that a cost of living package was still possible, he reluctantly stated that “as things stand” fees will not be reduced.
In response to this announcement from Lawless, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) released a statement condemning the reversal, calling it a “cynical and calculated betrayal of students- and a clear breach of commitments made in the Programme for Government.”
USI highlighted the timing of the announcement, “just one day before the annual turnover of student union officers” and just before the July 1 CAO change-of-mind deadline, and called the move “regressive” and stated that it would contribute to Ireland being one of Europe’s most expensive countries.
USI is demanding an immediate reversal of the fee increase.
In September of 2024, Trinity News exclusively reported that, in their 2025 Budget submission, USI called for the abolishment of student fees.
