Sorca Clarke TD slams Government’s plan to scrap €1,000 student fee support

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has strongly criticised the government’s proposal to scrap the €1,000 reduction in third-level student contribution fees, describing it as “a slap in the face” to students and families already grappling with the soaring cost of living.

Clarke described the move as “outrageous” and accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of being out of touch with the financial pressures facing ordinary people. “This shameful decision is the latest example of this government abandoning our young people,” she said.

The TD also pointed to the recent erosion of protections for student renters as another blow, warning it will drive accommodation costs even higher. “Families are already facing soaring prices for essentials, and now many parents are telling me they may be forced to choose which of their children can attend college. That is simply wrong,” she added.

Sorca said Sinn Féin is calling for a cost-of-living package in September that would reduce student fees by €1,500, as a first step towards the party’s goal of abolishing fees altogether.

“Our young people deserve a future in a society that supports them to thrive,” she concluded.