Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

No. It still matters to the child who has no choice in such matters. We need a system to ensure that when a family's earning power falls below a certain amount that there is an option not to pay fees. The free fees system simply shifts the wealth to grinds and private school fees. The exact same thing will happen if we introduce income-contingent loans. The poor children will be the only ones who pay the debt. They will pay for the education system through an income-contingent loan. Such a situation will affect their future prospects, their ability to get on the property ladder and their ability to make parental decisions. The scheme would reinforce the ability of better-off children to have more freedom in their lives and not leave college with a financial burden because their parents will pay. The situation would be unequal.