Photograph: Gráinne Ní Aodha/PASharp divisions have emerged between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over the future of third-level fees, after recent suggestions from the Minister for Higher Education James Lawless that the end of cost-of-living packages would mean that the fees payable by students would increase. But it does need to help families with the cost of putting a young person through college,” said Mr Harris. Fine Gael TD Maeve O’Connell said: “Reducing the cost of education and helping hard-pressed families is important to Fine Gael and our party. Ms O’Connell contrasted the cost of cutting the college fees with the cost of social welfare increases. Social Democrats spokeswoman Jen Cummins said: “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to get their act together and keep their commitments to students and families to reduce third-level fees”.

Source: The Irish Times July 01, 2025 11:58 UTC