Higher Education Minister’s “No Noodles” Claim Questioned As Fee Hikes Not Ruled Out

Monday, 8 September 2025 17:13

By Martin Osborne

Speaking to Kfm, Ty Layberry-Ling, Vice President of Welfare and Equality, said he pushed the Minister to provide clarity on whether or not student fees would increase this year.

The Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless says no student should be surviving on noodles.

His remarks have been described as "contradictory" following a meeting with members of the Maynooth Students' Union.

Speaking to Kfm, Ty Layberry-Ling, Vice President of Welfare and Equality, said he pushed the Minister to provide clarity on whether or not student fees would increase this year.

However, Deputy Lawless was not in a position to confirm details ahead of the upcoming budget.

Today marks the start of the new semester for the majority of the 140,000 third-level students around the country.

Many are making long commutes as they struggle to find suitable and affordable accommodation near their college.

Deputy Lawless says financial supports are available to anyone who's struggling.

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