Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless announced the cut this week in a move that has caused consternation among third-level students, of whom one-third report serious financial hardship.
Daithí said speaking as someone nearing the end of his master’s degree, and having already completed undergraduate studies, he fully understands the pressures that students face just to get by.
He referenced that during the last General Election, then Fine Gael leader Simon Harris promised to abolish college fees and scrap the student registration charge.
“Breaking that promise doesn’t just hurt students, it drives young people away from politics entirely. And I don’t blame them,” Daithí said.
He added the latest hit on students comes at a time when car insurance costs are the highest in the EU, young people are locked out of home ownerships, student accommodation is increasingly scarce and no longer protected by Rent Pressure Zones, while over 4,844 children are homeless.
“People feel abandoned by the state. Rural towns and villages continue to be neglected by government policies. This is the reality pushing young people to emigrate and just to live a normal life,” Daithí added.
He called the fee hike a broken election promise and a major step backward for students already under immense financial pressure. He urged the government to act.
“The government must deliver a comprehensive cost-of-living package in the next budget to support young people and families. Whether it’s housing or education, the pattern of broken promises must end. Yet again, this is a government leaving students behind,” he said.
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