Third Level
We will increase funding to third level and make higher education sustainable and accessible.
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Strengthen Third Level
Ireland’s third-level education sector is under significant pressure, and the Cassells report has shown that the third-level sector will need over €1 billion in additional funding over the next decade. Since 2016 Fianna Fáil has played an important role in securing additional funding for higher education.
Fianna Fáil’s plan to support Third Level
Freeze fees
Freeze third level student fees to ensure working families are not penalised with onerous charges for Third Level.
Protect access to third level
Safeguard both high quality and broad access to third level education as it is vital to both our economic success into the future.
Restore the Postgrad Grant
Fully restore postgraduate grants and fee payments. The decision to abolish post graduate grants was a deeply regressive measure that hit ambitious students from low income backgrounds.
Increase the Maintenance Grant
Increase the maintenance grant by 10%. We also want to expand access to the grant system by reforming income eligibility brackets.
€30 million more for the Student Assistance Fund
Increase the Student Assistance Fund to €30m. We will also provide for part-time students to access to the Student Assistance Fund.
Better fund higher education.
Provide an additional €100m per annum for higher education.
Increase the National Training Fund Levy
Increase the National Training Fund levy to 1% annually and this will be supplemented by an additional €50m of exchequer funding per annum up to 2023. This will put Ireland on the path to achieve the 2021 and 2030 targets set out by the Cassells report.
All Issues in Education
Skills and Apprenticeships
We will close the gap with other EU countries in providing much needed skills and increase the number of apprenticeships.
Strengthening Secondary Education
We will revitalise and restore secondary education to increase access and equality.
Supporting Irish Research
Research and innovation are key to Ireland’s long term success and competitiveness.
Supporting Teachers and Principals
We value our teachers and principals and will support them in their work.
Third Level
We will increase funding to third level and make higher education sustainable and accessible.
Join an all-Ireland community of activists.
By joining Fianna Fáil, you too can play a major role in the future of our Party and our country.