Kildare Minister criticised over student fees decision

Labour councillor in Kildare North, Angela Feeney has claimed the government is “turning its back” on families and students who are already facing soaring costs.

Cllr Feeney slammed plans by Minister James Lawless (FF) to reverse last year's reduction in student fees.

The Labour councillor labelled as “deeply cynical” the move to reverse a decision on student fees post-election “after the votes have been counted.”

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She said: “Every week I hear from families and young people who are struggling to afford higher education. Between rent, food, transport, and other essentials, increasing fees now will only make that worse.

“Last week, we saw the Minister for Housing water down protections for student renters. This week, Minister Lawless wants to add financial pressure on top. It’s clear this Government has no coherent strategy to support students. What they do have is a growing list of broken promises.

“We have to ask – was last year’s modest reduction in fees just a vote-buying stunt? Or does this Government genuinely believe that college should be within reach for every student, regardless of their background?”

Cllr Feeney, who is a former Head of School in TU Dublin, continued: “Having worked in education all my life, I know that access to education changes lives. But this Government is making it harder, not easier, for young people to build a future. 

“I regularly meet with student representatives from Maynooth University and their most recent surveys show how students are struggling to pay for fees and accommodation; they are working long hours in part-time jobs just to make ends meet and have little time to enjoy their education.

“Labour is calling on Minister Lawless to urgently reconsider this proposal, and instead commit to building a long-term plan for affordable access to higher education for all.”