BUDGET 2026: Cork senator slams student fees

Senator Laura Harmon has criticised the Government’s decision to increase student contribution fees in Budget 2026.

The Labour spokesperson on Further and Higher Education claimed the move breaks a key promise in the Programme for Government.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have yet again chosen to create additional barriers to education with Budget 2026,” Senator Harmon said. “Despite a pledge to reduce third-level fees during their term, we now see a €500 increase dressed up as a ‘decrease’ on last year’s €1,000 reduction.

“The cost of living is rising, so it is a missed opportunity not to permanently decrease fees by €1,000.”

Senator Harmon said the high cost of education is having a serious impact on students.

“Last year a UCC study found that more than a quarter of its students had gone to class hungry. This is a direct result of sky-high accommodation costs and the persistence of the contribution fee.”

She also criticised the Government for failing to support students during a time of record profits.

“With Ireland one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, what we are seeing is a wasted boom,” she said. “Fees should not be rising; they should be removed entirely as is the case in many of our European counterparts.”

Senator Harmon added that students and families faced unnecessary uncertainty this year while waiting for clarity on fees.

“People had to wait over four months, only to be served an increase on an already high fee.”