The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has expressed serious concerns that increasing third-level education fees will impact farm families and students.
It follows on from the recent confirmation by Minister James Lawless that there will be no €1,000 reduction in student contribution fees in the upcoming Budget.
The €1,000 fee reduction was introduced as part of Budget 2023 to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.
ICMSA farm business committee chairman Pat O’Brien this measure would be contrary to the government’s commitment to make further education more affordable.
"Many families voted for this government with that in mind,” he said. “How have the tables turned so completely? Now we’re facing even higher costs to send our kids to college.”
Fees
The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 7.4% from 2023 to May of this year and O’Brien argued that removing the fee reduction would place additional financial strain on families already grappling with soaring expenses.
“Rent for student accommodation is astronomical. Families can easily spend upwards of €8,000/year on college accommodation alone,” he added.
“If you’re sending more than one child to college, the financial pressure is immense and everyone should have the opportunity to attend further education”, he concluded.
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The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has expressed serious concerns that increasing third-level education fees will impact farm families and students.
It follows on from the recent confirmation by Minister James Lawless that there will be no €1,000 reduction in student contribution fees in the upcoming Budget.
The €1,000 fee reduction was introduced as part of Budget 2023 to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.
ICMSA farm business committee chairman Pat O’Brien this measure would be contrary to the government’s commitment to make further education more affordable.
"Many families voted for this government with that in mind,” he said. “How have the tables turned so completely? Now we’re facing even higher costs to send our kids to college.”
Fees
The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 7.4% from 2023 to May of this year and O’Brien argued that removing the fee reduction would place additional financial strain on families already grappling with soaring expenses.
“Rent for student accommodation is astronomical. Families can easily spend upwards of €8,000/year on college accommodation alone,” he added.
“If you’re sending more than one child to college, the financial pressure is immense and everyone should have the opportunity to attend further education”, he concluded.
Read more
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