Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said the government’s decision to hike up student fees by €1000 is outrageous and a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling to keep their heads above water with the spiraling cost of living.


Teachta Crowe added that this exposed the previous reduction as a cynical exercise ahead of the last election.


Teachta Crowe said:

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control, 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 spiraling 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.


“Parents are telling me that they are now facing the brutal decision of choosing which of their children can go to college. This is wrong, parents should not be put in this position.


“It exposes the previous reduction in fees for what it was. A cynical exploitation of young people and their families ahead of the last election.

“It does not have to be this way. Sinn Féin has the backs of students and their families and will demand better for our young people.

“As a first step towards abolishing student fees, Sinn Féin are demanding a cost-of-living package in September that will reduce student fees by €1500.

“Our young people deserve a society that enables them to thrive, realise their full potential and build a future for themselves here.”