Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think there was a question in the Deputy's contribution. I appreciate people will have different views and suppose Peter Cassells put this out so that it would be seriously considered. It is important people consider the case as it is made. I have an open mind on it, as do others. Deputy Broughan criticised the increase in fees but part of Peter Cassells's vision is that there would be no fees at the point of entry and that there would be substantial income support for those from low income families to get into college. No one has a monopoly and advocates are not hard-headed capitalists who view education as being for the privileged. Peter Cassells has envisaged zero fees and is examining this.

We need to have an honest debate. This is like the issues of health and pensions. We need to examine how we will fund these areas, which will place increasing demands on all our families. Will it be through the public purse or otherwise? We need to examine viable and sustainable funding models and I am trying to take the actions within my area that I can.

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