€1000 fee hike 'slap' to Laois students

Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has slammed a decision by the Minister for Further and Higher Education to scrap a cost-of-living measure that cut student fees by €1,000.

The Portlaoise-based representative has joined a chorus of objectors to the resetting of fees by Minister James Lawless that will see fees revert to the same level as before the 2024/25 academic year.

"I do intend to wind down the student contribution fee over the lifetime of the Government," he said.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live from Sen McCormack was withering in response.

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control, the Government’s decision to hike up student fees by €1,000 is absolutely outrageous and is a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling to keep their heads above water with the spiraling cost of living.

“This latest assault on students comes only weeks after the Government’s decision to erode protections for student renters – a decision that will drive student rents up even further," she said.

Sen McCormack insisted it was an example of a disconnect with reality.

“Time and time again, this Government has shown it is completely out of touch with the pressures ordinary households are facing.

“With the soaring costs of groceries, petrol and diesel, gas and electricity bills, the harsh reality is that many families simply will not be able to afford these additional costs.

"Families in Laois have enough to deal with trying to find student accommodation at extortionate prices without dealing with €1000 fee hike. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“Parents are telling me that they are now facing the brutal decision of choosing which of their children can go to college. This is wrong, parents should not be put in this position," she said. 

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She said Sinn Féin are demanding a cost-of-living package in September that will reduce student fees by €1500.

“Our young people deserve a society that enables them to thrive, realise their full potential and build a future for themselves here,” she said.

Ireland's student union, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éireann (AMLÉ), said the fee reductions was breach of commitments in the Programme for Government.