To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he has considered (i) freezing the student loan payment thresholds; and (ii) adjusting the student loan payment to match inflation.

Prior to my taking office, the higher education student support package for academic year 2024/25 had already been determined. There was, however, a 40% increase in the maximum student maintenance loan made available for the current academic year.

I have asked my officials to update me on any work to date on a review of Higher Education Funding, as well as proposals to take it forward.

I will be engaging with my officials to consider the current support available and determine whether this can be improved while taking account of the financial context for my Department.