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

No, I am not. I am not spinning it at all. In fact, I have not discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan at all yet, in any detail, so there could not be any open warfare between the two of us. My job is to provide the report for Government and then let it take a decision on when or if any fees or a combination of loans and fees should be introduced.

I have personal views and have expressed those quite openly. I believe there should be a contribution from the students and I am delighted that Deputy Hayes' party is in agreement. I thank him for his document which is helpful in looking at the overall issue.

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