Last week, the government unveiled its measures for Budget 2025, dubbed the “largest social welfare package in the state’s history.” As always, the question is whether students will benefit.
Among the measures announced, the student contribution fee will again be reduced by €1,000, bringing it down to €2,000 for national and EU undergraduates in the 2024/2025 academic year. The postgraduate fee contribution grant will also increase from €4,000 to €5,000, and the apprentice fee contribution will be reduced by 33% in a “once-off” measure.
Other provisions include an 80-cent increase in the national minimum wage, bringing it to €13.50 per hour starting in January 2025, and the continuation of the 50% price reduction on the young-adult Leap Card fare throughout next year.
In their response to the budget, UCD’s Students’ Union (UCDSU) described these measures as “smoke and mirrors” that fail to meet students’ real needs. They argued that the €1,000 fee reduction is “unlikely to make a significant difference for most students” struggling with rising living and education costs.
However, UCDSU’s criticisms echo almost exactly what they said in response to last year’s budget, highlighting a pattern of similar critiques year after year. While the issues of student accommodation, high living costs, and inadequate wage increases are undeniably pressing, the SU’s messaging has remained static. This raises the question of whether their approach has the desired impact or if a more proactive strategy is needed to drive real change.
The accommodation crisis is once again a key concern. Despite previous government promises to invest in student housing, Budget 2025 needs more meaningful measures. UCDSU views this lack of action as a significant oversight, leaving students stuck in overpriced and, at times, unsafe accommodation.
UCDSU President Miranda Bauer stated, “Students need a New Deal, not more half-measures wrapped in election spin. This government has had years to act and address our growing challenges. They’ve heard from us, read our reports, and seen students struggling in unsafe accommodations. Yet, instead of real action, we get another budget full of empty promises. The €1,000 SCC cut won’t do enough for nearly enough students.”
In addition to their concerns over accommodation and fees, the SU criticised the minimum wage increase as falling short of the living wage students and young workers need. They continue to urge students to register to vote in the upcoming elections to push for a “new deal” in 2025.
While UCDSU’s frustration is understandable, the repetition of their critique without any notable shift in strategy suggests their approach might not be gaining the traction needed to effect change. With another budget behind them, perhaps it’s time for the SU to reassess its methods for pushing student issues higher on the government’s agenda.
By Ellen Clusker – News Editor, and Jack Donlon – Co-Editor
