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original reduction of student fees was introduced in 2022. The reason the Government did that was to alleviate the cost of living, which was the right thing to do. To go on that premise and bring it to its logical conclusion, the cost of living today … have gone into arrears on energy bills alone. We see reports in the media that the Government is intent on scrapping the cost-of-living supports in the upcoming budget. Now, we have a Minister saying that student fees could reach €3,000, an increase

Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. on RTÉ where he indicated that in the absence of a cost of living package this year student fees will rise; and — the Minister's statement coupled with the refusal of Government to provide a cost … initial proposal and is only now being considered on foot of concerns raised by Sinn Féin, students' unions and others; and — the cost of living is impacting on every aspect of student life and this increase to fees will heap further financial pressure on young people and their

Irish Independent in which a Minister was quoted, anonymously, as saying that the budget would recognise that there is no longer a cost-of-living crisis and I thought, that is it, that explains it. That is fundamentally the issue here. There are Cabinet Ministers … know who exactly, who think the cost-of-living crisis is over. For the avoidance of any doubt, the cost-of-living crisis is far from over. It is far from over for the students in the Gallery. It is far from over for parents of students

past number of weeks or months we have had Ministers saying they will not do a cost-of-living package. They have evaded the question every time they have been asked. When we heard about the plan from the Government to increase fees by €1,000, the Minister … imagine our shock. It shows exactly how out of touch the Government can be, because there is a cost-of-living crisis. I do not have to tell the Minister that. I spoke to many of the students outside the door earlier today, but I speak to them

cost-of-living is too high but the Government is in complete denial about this reality. It seems to believe that the cost-of-living crisis is over and it is ruling out a cost-of-living package while households struggle. It is clear the Government is totally … have to be on the table, including direct intervention to stop supermarkets from hiking prices without justification. The Government must introduce a cost-of-living package without delay. Families across the State are depending on it and it needs to step up to the plate

putting huge strain on families across the country. Right now families in Donegal find themselves caught in a pincer movement between the cost-of-living crisis and the defective concrete scandal. This is on top of long-standing geographic and infrastructural neglect. This is not anecdotal. The figures … employment outside tourism or seasonal work. The exclusion limits access to high-paying jobs and remote opportunities. This inequality significantly worsens the cost-of-living strain on people in my county. Rent is astronomical and supply minimal. The Taoiseach, in response to my question yesterday, pointed out there

motion from the Social Democrats. It is very important and opportune. Families across the country are struggling to make ends meet. The cost-of-living crisis is an ongoing crisis that is no longer temporary or once-off. Everything is going in one direction, which is up. This … years and never come down. Our energy prices are one of the highest, if not the highest, in Europe. The Barnardos cost-of-living impact report yesterday confirmed a third of Irish families are in arrears with the their energy bills. Grocery prices have similarly increased

colleagues to get education cuts reversed and to stop registration fees being increased. That was when stuff was quite expensive. The cost of living rose post Covid and the registration fees were reduced by approximately €1,000. The question we have to discuss tonight … talk about it now. I thank my colleagues for allowing this debate because it is important to talk about it now. The cost of living is still high. Students are still faced with so many pressures. We see the impact on mental health because of that

taken aback by the range of issues people had. I have listened attentively to what the Minister said today about cost-of-living measures. I acknowledge those actions. In the past three years, however, there have been a range of one-off cost-of-living measures in budgets … nonsense out of the way and ask definitively if the Minister for Finance is saying there will be no one-off cost-of-living measures in this year's budget. There will be nothing for people with disabilities as there was in the past, or the fuel allowance

they so desperately need and have relied on. The Government has dug in and continues to refuse to agree to have a cost-of-living package in October's budget. Those on fixed incomes are at greater risk of poverty and need greater support. This ever-worsening cost … cannot swan off for the summer break and leave people in the lurch with stress and uncertainty. It needs to introduce a cost-of-living package, continue with energy credits and tell workers and families that it will not cancel the help they rely on to pay these

want people at home to know that we are taking measures in the here and now to assist them with the cost of living. Indeed, we are also taking measures in the here and now to specifically assist people with energy. Let me share details of some … September every child who goes back to primary school or secondary school will receive free schoolbooks. That is helping households with the cost of living. General measures, such as every primary school child getting free hot school meals, reducing school transport fees and rolling out free GP care

Dáil prepares to rise now for the summer, the thing on everybody's mind is runaway prices and the sky-high cost of living. Working households really struggle now to make ends meet and they hear from the Taoiseach time and again as he digs in and refuses … include a cost-of-living package in October's budget. Today, a report published by the Irish League of Credit Unions reveals the big pressure on parents with the enormous cost of sending their children to school. This follows reports from the ESRI, Barnardos, the Society

Taoiseach has comprehensively ruled out providing a cost-of-living package in October's budget. The media today is full of reports that he is set to double down on the removal of support payments for struggling households. At a time when living costs are through the roof … weekly shop, go to fill the car or go to buy basic toiletries like toothpaste or shampoo. The out-of-control cost of living is making it so hard for working people to keep their heads above water as we speak. For the Taoiseach to tell households that

that just because inflation has fallen, it does not mean the cost of going to the supermarket has fallen as well. The cost of living still remains high. People see that in their weekly shop. They see it when they go to the checkout with their trolley. While … have been very clear that there will not be a cost of living specific measure between September, October and December, that is not to say that a budget of over €100 billion - probably around €120 billion - will not try to help people with their cost of living

cost-of-living crisis in Ireland can no longer be considered a transient hardship. For much of our population, it has become an entrenched form of social injustice with a vast array of adverse outcomes, both short-term and potentially far-reaching for the many people caught … luxuries. Ensuring transparency around pricing is a small test of whether we are serious about economic justice and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Grocery giants cannot conduct their accounting in the shadows while families fall deeper into stress in a cost-of-living crisis that is being

recent days, the Chamber has spoken about the cost of living and how it affects education. To provide the bigger picture of what the cost of living for families is at present, if we look at it through the lens of education, which in my opinion … there will be another €1,000 for third level fees, I cannot compute how the Government does not see there is a cost-of-living crisis or how increasing the fees will put pressure on families. I said last night in the Chamber that John Dewey said, "Education

hard, yet they have very little to show for it. Approximately 70% of people said that they were concerned about the cost of living. Almost 20% of families have had to cut back on heating costs in the past six months, according to research from Barnardos … impact of the rising cost of living. Two in five people say that they are going without other essentials, including food and medical appointments. The Government has ruled out any meaningful cost-of-living support but there is no surprise there given that there is no election this

appreciate the Deputy's questions. We are under no illusions about the impact of the cost of living on families and people. The reality is there was an excessive inflationary spiral coming out of Covid and as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequential … increase in energy prices. That did impact and that is why there were exceptional once-off cost-of-living packages in addition to budgetary measures in recent years. We are probably the only European Union country that was in a position to do the level of once

students are still waiting for basic SUSI grant reform. The Minister says to students that the €1,000 reduction was a cost-of-living measure. I invite the Minister, when he makes his remarks, to look up at the students in the Public Gallery and ask them … their or their parents' cost-of-living crisis is over. He should ask these young people and their families if they can wait for months on end to find out what fees they will be paying next semester. They cannot wait. People are on low incomes. The working

This, of course, is not solely an issue of fees. The background is one of significantly increased rents and the significantly increased cost of living. The new rent regime introduced recently by the Minister throws students under the bus. Students have now no rent protection whatsoever. The Minister … case. We have to remember that private rents for students in the past five years have increased by 92%. The cost of living is also in the background. Other speakers have gone through that. Grocery prices are up three times the level of inflation and insurance and transport

Government plan to hike fees by 50% or €1,000 in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis represents a betrayal of the students up in the Gallery, whom I welcome, and their parents. I am sure they will not forget this. Tá géarchéim costais mhaireachtála uafásach … againn in Éirinn faoi láthair. Tá daoine ag fulaingt agus faoi bhrú mór. The cost-of-living crisis is raging and, instead of helping the students and their parents, the Government is adding fuel to the fire. The hike proposed nine days ago sent real fear throughout households

hike in college fees, thanks to the Government. Also thanks to the Government, tens of thousands of families will be left without cost-of-living supports and will wonder how on earth they will make it through the winter. Ní féidir leis an Rialtas teaghlaigh atá ag streachailt … Government simply cannot abandon workers and families like this. I put it to the Taoiseach that the Government must include a cost-of-living package in October's budget

This week, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have rightly emphasised the Government's strong commitment to easing the cost-of-living pressures on families, including the recent move to strengthen the powers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to ensure fairness in grocery pricing. Given the extraordinary … Ukraine and the rising global energy costs, will the Tánaiste outline how the Government plans to build on the cost-of-living supports already delivered, particularly with regard to the cost of groceries and essential utilities, to give families greater security and reassurance in the months ahead

Deputy Kelly said. I know I get myself in trouble from time to time for saying these sorts of things but the cost-of-living challenge is still very real for people. We have to acknowledge that. We have to prudently budget and carefully work our way through … things and always protect our economy. We can quote all the economic statistics we want but the cost of living is still very challenging for many people I would loosely refer to as the squeezed middle. On supermarkets in particular, I welcome the measures taken by Minister

move: That Dáil Éireann: notes that: — households across the country are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living soars; — more than 70 per cent of people in Ireland are either, "extremely" or "very" concerned about the cost of groceries, according to the recent … disclosure of information when carrying out market studies in line with powers already available in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. The cost of living is out of control and this is nowhere more evident than on supermarket shelves. The scale and the speed at which prices

update on developments from his and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage's refusal to provide a second-year cost-of-living package for students, despite the cost-of-living crisis continuing, resulting in student fees increasing by €1,000; and if he will make

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Finance the measures being put in place to address the cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41660/25

Clendennen asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the current rate of food inflation; the impact of this on the cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44085/25

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will benchmark SUSI grants and reckonable income levels against the cost of living, include the SUSI maintenance support for part-time students, and enable those in receipt of SUSI to receive financial support for repeat exams

Balbriggan and that this increase in fares is serving to heap further costs on hard pressed commuters in the middle of a cost of living crisis; if he will review this decision and allow Skerries and Balbriggan into the same zone as the rest of Dublin

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount his Department paid towards cost of living allowance and local post allowance to his Departmental officials posted at the Irish Embassy in Washington DC and to each consulate general office based within

acknowledges the financial hardship faced by many of these retired individuals, whose occupational pensions are not sufficient to meet the rising cost of living, healthcare, home maintenance, and essential services; if he will provide a rationale for continuing to deny State pension access to those who contributed

Protection if he will consider increasing the income thresholds for State pension (non-contributory) in light of the significant increase in the cost of living in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/25

Health if she will consider reducing the drugs payment scheme threshold from €80 back to €53 per month, in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39011/25

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will advocate for an increase in the fostering allowance in line with the cost of living for budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38336/25

reduce student contributions; if the temporary reduction in the student contribution fee will continue or if the base figure prior to cost-of-living measures of €3,000 will be re-instated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38263/25

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the increases in SUSI grants have kept pace with the cost-of-living increases in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/25

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make a strong case to Cabinet to retain the cost-of-living reduction of €1,000 for student fees in budget 2026 and to making this welcome initiative a permanent feature; and if he will

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance whether the social welfare payments announced in the cost of living package in the previous year are exempt from tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/25

eligibility limit for affordable cost rental in County Cork to match the household income limit that applies in Dublin, given the comparable cost of living and price of houses in both areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/25

asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any plan to increase the rate of €289 maternity benefit, considering the rising cost of living, parenthood, and childcare, especially for families with multiple children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37202/25

Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider retaining the €1,000 college-fee reduction introduced as part of the cost-of-living measures, in light of the ongoing financial pressures facing families due to the high cost of food, utilities and housing

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to retain the cost of living reduction of €1,000 for student fees in Budget 2026 and make this initiative a permanent feature going forward (details supplied); and if he will make

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reconsider the recent announcement regarding the €1,000 cost-of-living support towards third level college fees not being continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/25

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth in light of the exponential rise in the cost-of-living index since 2005, when the block grant for a school (details supplied) was set, if she plans to increase this block grant; and if she will make

extending the eligibility criteria for the young adult Leap card to include all individuals under the age of 30, given the ongoing cost of living pressures facing this age group; if he has assessed the affordability and impact of such a measure in advance of Budget

upbringing, but currently receive no tax recognition despite having their children part-time and incurring substantial expenses including maintenance, travel, school-related costs, and living arrangements; if he will commit to reviewing the existing system which grants the full tax benefit to one parent only, often excluding

that will be introduced to reduce the costs of further and higher education for students and their families, taking into account increased costs of living over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36897/25