University of Galway' Student Union president, Maisie Hall, condemned the recently announced €1,000 college fees increase stating that it will simply make this bad situation worse.
Announced by Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless, on Sunday, June 29, the increase in fees will result in third-level students in Ireland paying €1,000 more for the upcoming academic year. The expected increase comes following the Government's decision to scrap a temporary subsidy for students, which was introduced as part of Budget 2023's cost-of-living package.
Reacting to the news of the increase, University of Galway Students' Union president, Maisie Hall, described the decision as shameful, adding further financial pressures to students who are already struggling.
"University of Galway Students’ Union believe this is a retrograde step that will price people out of education," said Hall. "Students are already struggling to make ends meet with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and ever-increasing rent costs. Should this shameful decision come to fruition, it will further add to existing financial pressures on students and their families."
Financial pressures exacerbated
Figures revealed by University of Galway Students' Union into the reality of life for students in Galway, nearly half (49 per cent ) of University of Galway's students say they struggle to pay rent. The same figure reported that they work part-time to afford college, with 56 per cent of that cohort stating that working has had a negative impact on their education.
"An increase in fees will simply make this bad situation worse. We urge the Government to decide not to increase fees and instead take the appropriate measures to decrease and eventually abolish fees."
Joining Hall in condemning the announced increase was Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O'Hara, who described the increase as outrageous and a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling.
"As the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control, the Government’s decision to hike up student fees by €1,000 is absolutely outrageous and is a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling to keep their heads above water with the spiralling cost of living.
“This latest assault on students comes only weeks after the Government’s decision to erode protections for student renters, a decision that will drive student rents up even further. Time and time again, this government has shown it is completely out of touch with the pressures ordinary households are facing."
Deputy O'Hara went on to say that since the decision was announced, students and parents in his constituency have shared concerns that they will be unable to attend college this year.
“With the soaring costs of groceries, petrol and diesel, gas and electricity bills, the harsh reality is that many families and students here in Galway simply will not be able to afford these additional costs.
“Parents and students are telling me that they will no longer be in a position to attend college for the upcoming academic year. This is wrong, and nobody should be put in this position."
