The incoming Student President at a Midwest University claims the Government is using students as a “punching bag”.
It comes as the Higher Education Minister has suggested that promised cuts to college fees mightn’t be included in the upcoming budget.
The Government reduced college fees by €500 last year and has pledged to cut them on an annual basis going forward.
Doubt has been cast on this, however, after ministers were told last month that each department is being levied to cover a Department of Education overspend totalling €4 billion over the past three years.
Responding to a parliamentary question on fee reductions last week, Higher Education Minister James Lawless said this decision “may necessitate limitations on new measures in Budget 2027”.
He says, however, he’ll “pursue options that are equitable, funded, fair”.
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, Shannon TD Donna McGettigan, says the Government is putting big business before students.
The Government had intended to reduce the voluntary student contribution fee by a further €500 in October’s budget.
This plan is now in jeopardy, with its cost estimated to be €50 million.
University of Galway Student President-elect, Seán De Búrca, doesn’t believe the Government is as financially constrained as it’s letting on.
Incoming TUS Student President Emma Hogan, who’s currently the Vice President for Education and Welfare at the TUS Ennis campus, claims students are being asked to cover costs which aren’t of their making.
Listen to the full interview here
