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Cathy Bennett, a TD from County Cavan, has raised questions with the Minister for Further and Higher Education regarding the cost of third-level fees and potential policy changes in this area. Her parliamentary enquiry sought detailed information about fee levels across 2024, 2025, and 2026, while also pressing the minister on whether there are plans to reduce fees and what timeline might apply to any such reductions.

The query reflects ongoing concerns about accessibility to higher education and the financial burden placed on students pursuing third-level qualifications. Third-level fees remain a significant issue in Irish education policy, affecting students' ability to access university and college programmes.

Bennett's question was posed during parliamentary proceedings, where elected representatives regularly table enquiries on behalf of their constituents and the broader public interest. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science would be expected to provide a comprehensive response outlining current fee structures and any government intentions regarding reform of the third-level education financing system.

For the full details of this parliamentary exchange, readers can consult the official Oireachtas records.

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