Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I would even put it ahead of health. If one had to pick one key to our future, it would be education. We must be conscious that a debate is under way all over the western world, certainly in western Europe, on the funding of third level education. The point must be made before we discuss where we are that enormous progress has been made, particularly over the last 15 years. There has been a significant expansion in third level education since the late 1980s. It is not only thanks to the HEA, but also, partly, to Mr. Chuck Feeney that we have seen a great many new buildings built on practically every campus in the country over the last four or five years. It is difficult to find one's way around. We have upped our game considerably.

Under discussion are profound problems, but there is also a short term issue. Last year the Minister obtained a substantial increase in maintenance grants. It was essential to resume full funding of research. Both of those factors led to a considerable increase in funding for third level education. Unfortunately the day-to-day functioning of third level took the brunt in order to satisfy the Department of Finance. Stop-go funding whether it is on research or on day-to-day funding of universities, is not a good way to proceed but I certainly hope that by next year at the latest, that dip will be restored.

I am a little puzzled to hear talk about third level education today being elitist. If there are between 40% and 50% of the age cohort attending some form of third level education that is not my definition of elitism. If the figure was 10% that would be elitist. On average, those who go into third level education will be more advantaged than those who do not. I accept that and I accept that ways and means are needed to broaden access. We have broadened access hugely, simply by moving from 10% to almost 50% attendance over the past 40 to 50 years.

There was great debate here last year about reintroducing college fees. Whether we like it not, and I will not go back over the history of the introduction of free fees or something close to free fees, if one discounts the registration fee, the middle class pays most tax.