A local TD believes that "all students" should be able to avail of a €1,000 reduction in student contribution fees. Speaking in the Dáil today, Cavan - Monaghan TD Brendan Smith welcomed the decision by his party colleague, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath to reduce higher education student contribution fees by €1,000 as part of the Government's cost of living measures.
Despite this, the local representative believes that students studying outside of the jurisdiction be it in Northern Ireland, Britain or elsewhere, have been wrongly denied this payment. Speaking to Northern Sound in relation to the matter, Deputy Smith believes it is "well within" the capacity of Government, if the will is there, to ensure that all students can avail of this reduced fee. He added that administrative systems "must adapt and change" and ensure a level playing field for all students:
