Coalition leaders push for €250 cut to student contribution in 2027 budget

During the concluding talks on Budget 2027, coalition leaders are expected to consider a €250 decrease in the student contribution, which presently stands at €2,500. Minister James Lawless is said to be making a final appeal to achieve this saving, which would cost less than €30 million. The budget already earmarks a €16 million package to broaden grant eligibility for households with more than one child attending third-level institutions.

Additionally, €150 million from the National Training Fund will be directed toward AI upskilling and reskilling programmes. Funding for the Departments of Children and Social Protection remains pending. At a recent Fianna Fáil event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin indicated that early-year childcare costs would be a focus of upcoming discussions, while a €10-per-week increase in the State pension and core welfare payments is also slated for announcement.