Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The issue of the re-introduction of third level fees, to which the Deputy refers, should be viewed in the context of the wider funding of higher education. The Government is investing unprecedented levels of public funding in higher education. In 2008 some €2 billion was invested in our higher education sector. In contributing to the achievement of national policy goals for social and economic development, it can be anticipated that there will be continuing significant resource needs for the sector.

Ireland's higher education system currently has a relatively high dependence on the Exchequer as its principal source of revenue. It is appropriate, therefore, to raise questions around how future additional resource needs can be met and how our higher education institutions can be supported in their development ambitions through a widening of their non-Exchequer sources of income, including through a new form of student cost contribution. There are also equity grounds for arguing that those who benefit directly from higher education should be asked to contribute to the costs.

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently finalising a review of policy options regarding the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations, including costs, affordability and value for money for the taxpayer, which will be taken into account by the Government in considering the available options. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future regarding the available options, including the issue of implementation. As the Deputy can appreciate, I do not wish to pre-empt any decisions of Government on these matters.

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