Ms Br?d Horan:

The Cassells group had the benefit of the international research and had the expertise that Dr. Doris has just demonstrated here to the committee. It took account of those complex issues. I would ask this committee to take the opportunity to look in depth at the research and the evidence. One of the members referred to the very quick dismissal of the options. We need a serious reconsideration of the work of the Cassells group, which was broadly representative and included student representatives. It considered the question of access, the sustainability of the system and the contributions to society. It is often referred to as just one report. In fact, we published approximately eight reports to build the case. Unfortunately, that in-depth assessment did not really take place. This is the opportunity to have that in-depth assessment. As others have said, it is unfortunate that that European Commission report has not been published yet. Had it been, we would have been able to comment on it and hopefully, that will add some depth to the consideration of the issue. It is complex. It is competing with serious demands on the public purse. Yet, glib answers are not the right way to approach such a long-term and fundamental issue for the country.