Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator O'Toole for allowing me to share some of his time. I wish to make two points about the funding of third level education. The introduction of top-up fees in the UK will have a detrimental effect on the difference between Southern and Northern universities. It will not apply in Scotland owing to a decision of its local devolved Government. I understand that top-up fees will be reintroduced in Northern Ireland, which will give a significant financial windfall to colleges in the North in terms of research and educational opportunities. I flag the issue for the Government as one we will need to address at some stage. A comparative disadvantage in funding will exist between Northern and Southern institutes and colleges.

I now come to an old chestnut of mine. The total economic transfer that the Government gives to every 18 to 23 year old in full-time education is approximately €120,000, which is a significant sum. Someone going straight to work and bypassing the college route never gets a penny from anyone. I have always argued for an education credit that would be available to be drawn down at any time in a person's life. It is impossible for someone of 25 or 26 to go back to college because of the financial cost and the difficulty in getting time off work, which needs to be factored into our educational planning.