James Lawless

My Department was born from a vision that Ireland's next greatest leap forward would come not from luck or lower taxes, but from knowledge, skills and innovation. It would come from investing in our people as the true engine of national prosperity. That mission is to be the economic engine room of Ireland's future. Under this remit, we are cultivating the skills, research and talent that drive on …

They are €6,000.

No.

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises that: — the Government is committed to easing the burden for students and their families; — the Government will progress its Programme for Government commitments to improve supports for students by increasing maintenance grants, reducing the student contribution fee throughout its term, a…

It fails to see its real role in our society and our economy. At its heart, my Department is a services Ministry, but it is also much more. It is an economic Ministry and an enabler of everything we want to do. The challenges we are facing, including global trade uncertainty, digital disruption, AI, the green transition and climate change, all demand we lead with the talent, science and skills my …

We can laugh all we like but let us think about how this came about.

We have a duty to be upfront and honest with citizens and to deal in good faith.

We do not gain anything from avoiding those questions. Whether in a radio interview or anywhere else, I have always been straight with people. This is not a policy decision. Deputy O'Reilly can wave her fingers all she likes.

Ceann Comhairle, I am trying to speak. I did not interrupt you, Deputy O'Reilly. This is not a policy decision or a move to reallocate moneys. It is not a decision of any kind. It is not a decision at all.

This is a straight and sincere statement of budgetary challenges as we approach this year's budget. That is what it is, pure and simple.

The once-off measures, which were welcome-----

The once-off measures were welcome and were needed at the time but they were temporary in nature. I want to move the system onto permanent measures that are sustainable, costed, fair, equitable and baked into the system for evermore. That will be of far greater benefit to families, students and everybody in the system in the long run. Along with my colleagues across both parties and the Independen…

I want to get away from the negativity and move towards the goal of a higher education system that achieves both excellence and access. Budget 2026 will move us a step forward towards that and build on the progress to date. Rather than scaremongering and whipping up anxiety, we should be clear with people about the supports that already exist. Households with incomes up to €115,000 will benefit fr…

Sinn Féin costed it at €65 million when it is actually about €135 million.

I heard Deputy Seán Crowe, who I have great time and respect for, talk about how it is a core policy of Sinn Féin to abolish fees. Someone needs to tell the Northern Ireland Executive that because fees are €5,600 across the Border and there was recently talk about bumping them up. That kind of partitionism would make a unionist blush. People see through that kind of rhetoric. They see where that l…

I have reiterated-----

I have reiterated my commitment to the programme for Government. Some parties want to make noise; I want to make progress.

It is not a policy decision. That is what I am saying.

Not all the parties.

Some more than others.

Absolutely.

I thank the Deputy for the question and for the earlier debate. It is going to be a long evening and we are both here for the duration, which is right and proper given it is such an important topic. I want to put on record again my commitment to easing the financial burden on students and families, and my commitment to reducing the cost of education in a way that is sustainable, and not just temp…

I did not say that.

I reiterate what I have said already. No decisions have been made. There is a budgetary arithmetic that has been spelled out by me and others, including the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for public expenditure. It has been spelled out multiple times since that decision was made by the Government. That is the situation we find ourselves in, and that is where we …

It is your party.