“Disappointed” students, parents, and representatives are among those who voiced their concerns over potential increases to college fees. Student fees were permanently reduced by €500 as part of Budget 2026 following a major Coalition row last summer as it emerged that a €1,000 reduction in student fees was to be axed. One parent who wrote to Mr Lawless said it was the first time they had ever written to a minister to “complain”. Student nursesIn correspondence forwarded to Mr Lawless from Mr Martin, one student nurse described how any increases to student fees affect her peers. "Many student nurses cannot just get a part-time job to supplement their income in order to pay very high student fees.

Source: Irish Examiner January 19, 2026 18:30 UTC