Reneging on the election promise to cut third level fees is not a fair or viable way to address Government overspend, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins said:
“The excuse that reductions in third level fees could be scrapped to compensate for overspending by other Departments punishes Ireland’s students and their families for the Government’s own shortcomings.
“Cuts to third level fees were an election promise, one which Minister for Higher Education James Lawless is now threatening to abandon. The Government has form for such a manoeuvre, like its failing to lay out a plan to reduce childcare costs to €200 per month in its first 100 days.
“Today’s threat from Minister Lawless is particularly insensitive in light of the fast approaching Leaving Certificate examinations for the Class of 2026 – those students and their families have been left in the lurch when it comes to the costs September may bring.
“Families are already being pummelled by the cost of living crisis as prices continue to skyrocket at grocery checkouts, forecourts, and on gas and electricity bills. When monthly rent and mortgage repayments come around, there is no room for any further increases.
“The last thing these families need to think about is the prospect of broken promises, promises which many will be relying upon to make ends meet.
“Students and their families should not be left out in the cold in Budget 2027. The Minister must commit to cutting third level fees, a key promise of his Government’s general election campaign.”
May 5th, 2026