It's claimed Clare's third level students will be left high and dry if the Government fails to implement planned cuts to college fees. Higher Education Minister James Lawless has stated a planned further €500 cut to the voluntary student contribution fee in Budget 2027 could be scrapped due to overspends. The current contribution fee is €2,500 and the coalition had signalled its intention to reduce this to €2,000 next year, but claims it would cost €50m to do so. Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Further and Higher Education and Clare TD Donna McGettigan believes the Government is out of touch.