Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil TD for Louth has welcomed the major education and skills measures announced in Budget 2027, saying they will ease costs for families and strengthen Ireland’s future workforce.

Deputy McGreehan said:

“Budget 2027 delivers real support for families with more than one child in third‑level education, while expanding upskilling opportunities and increasing apprenticeship places. The additional training capacity in disability, health and social‑care education shows the Government’s commitment to strengthening essential frontline services. This is a Budget that supports families, builds skills, and invests in the workforce our communities rely on.”

Measures introduced include:

• Permanent €150 reduction in the student contribution fee for every eligible student.
• 4.5% increase in SUSI maintenance grants, helping with day‑to‑day college costs. Up to 54,000 students may benefit from these changes from January 2027.
• Enhanced student contribution supports for families with more than one dependent in higher education, with eligibility extended to incomes up to €150,000. An expected circa of 11,000 students from families with annual income of up to €150,000 may benefit from September 2027.

• €1,800 potential annual saving for families with multiple children in college.
• An investment of €150 million over three years for the National Training Fund for emerging AI and digital skills, and dedicated funding to support disabled learners transitioning to the workforce.

• Supporting Government priorities in essential services, this Budget delivers over 1,420 additional annual higher‑education places across disability, health, and social‑care programmes.
• A record €445 million investment in apprenticeships, supporting pathways into rewarding careers and helping deliver our housing, infrastructure, and economic ambitions.

Deputy McGreehan welcomed these measures saying:

“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I am looking forward to seeing this investment deliver real benefits for students, families and our essential services.”

“I would also like to commend Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD on their work to secure this investment.”

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan

ENDS