Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Hayes-Nally. I am sure her Mum and sisters are very proud of her today. Ms Hayes-Nally paints a good and clear picture of the stress that can impact on family life in terms of funding decisions. As the eldest of eleven, I totally understand where she is coming from.

What is clear from the last three presenters is that they feel an income contingent loan system would not be the best option that would be put before the people of this country. It is also clear from what the three speakers have said that there needs to be a publicly funded higher education system. I suppose we are in a situation where we are competing within the education budget for funding that is vitally needed for preschool education, primary and secondary, and special education as well, for investment in third level and further education, and we are also competing outside of education in terms of all our other priorities in health, justice, transport, etc. There is only a certain pot available. Are we saying that the taxpayers should pay a higher level of tax to fund third level? If so, it will go back again on many parents and will have further impact. We must look at ways by which it will not come straight back in another levy or fee, otherwise it would still have to be paid. I am interested in hearing the views of the witnesses later. If taxpayers are paying more tax, then there will be a situation where maybe their own children will not be able to go to third level. We need to consider the issues of fairness and equity.