Education Minister Joe McHugh has made a significant pledge not to increase university registration fees beyond €3,000 per year if Fine Gael is returned to government after the next general election.
Ahead of the Leaving Cert results this week, the announcement will be a relief to parents who are already struggling with the rising cost of student accommodation.
However, it will cause concern for the third-level education sector which is facing significant funding challenges.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Independent, Mr McHugh says he has the backing of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in his stance.
Asked directly if Fine Gael would increase fees if in government for another five years, he said: “No, in terms of increasing fees or even putting student loans, we have to look at the overall pressures on parents and see how to make it easier rather than [adding] to the pressures they are under already.”
The Fine Gael minister’s comments are the clearest commitment to date from the main coalition party to freeze college fees.
The third-level sector has consistently said it is facing serious financial difficulties, which are damaging its ability to compete internationally.
Colleges have been seeking clarity on proposals to bring in a loan scheme or higher charges for students.
Read the full story here: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/college-fees-to-be-frozen-for-5-years-38392926.html
