Tánaiste Simon Harris defends not permanently cutting college fees as Further and Higher Education Minister

Irish Independent

2 days ago

James Lawless, the Fianna Fáil Minister who currently holds that portfolio, is under fire this week after suggesting last weekend college fees of €3,000 would not be cut in this year's Budget.
Previous budgets saw the fees cut by as high as €1,000 as a once off measure as part of the cost of living package designed.
However, the cuts were not put on a permanent reduction and Minister Lawless suggested that as there would be no cost of living measures this year, student fees would go back up to €3,000.
His comments sparked a row with Fine Gael, with Tánaiste Simon Harris telling party members the commitment to cut fees remains.
Minister Harris served as Further and Higher Education for four years in the last Government and moved to cut fees on a temporary basis in previous Budgets.
He said how during the general election, Fine Gael campaigned to abolish college fees during the lifetime of the Government.
He said the party campaigned on permanently cutting costs for education, childcare and VAT for hospitality.
Minister Harris defended his record as Further and Higher Education Minister, saying he used the funds available to make the temporary reductions.
'What I used was every euro that was available to students to try and drive down their bills during the cost of living crisis.
'We had the money to do it on a once off basis and we took that in the cost of living package, as we did in many areas. But we made it crystal clear, crystal clear, I said this when I was Taoiseach and I said it during the election campaign, I want to permanently decrease the fees,' he said.
'That's the commitment I made to students and I want to deliver on it.'
Speaking in the Dáil after being asked for clarity by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Minister Lawless said 'no figure has ever been produced' by the Government in advance of a decision being made during Budgetary negotiations.
Ms McDonald asked if students will be paying €2,000 or €3,000 in fees.
'The Budgetary process is underway. I am fighting within the resources available for students and their families with best possible outcome across the board,' said Minister Lawless.
He said he is looking at many costs students have, including fees, Susi grants and the cost of accommodation.
Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan told the Dáil her phone has been 'hopping' since Minister Lawless' comments over the weekend.
Fianna Fáil Minister Jack Chambers said the measures will be considered as part of Budget 2026 and said the Government wants to make 'permanent changes' to some of the costs 'that exist for students'.
Minister Lawless is expected to publish a report on the cost of education shortly.