Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has finalised his proposals on the reintroduction of third level fees; if he has brought a memorandum to Government on the matter; when he plans to make a decision on the option which will be pursued by him; if he will release the document which contains his final proposals in order that an informed public debate can be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 34: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will put forward his proposals on the issue of third level fees before the end of this Dáil term; the likely content of these proposals; and if they will affect those due to start in third level institutions in September 2009. [26726/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 34 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations involved. These include considerations relating to institutional funding, family affordability, equity, participation and value for money for the taxpayer. However, it is an issue that merits consideration at this important juncture in the development of higher education and also given the current economic circumstances.

My officials are finalising a technical report on the various options available. This will look at available models, drawing on experience with those that have operated internationally. It will assess the potential policy, cost and revenue impacts of various available approaches in an Irish context. I will be providing the completed technical report to my Cabinet colleagues for consideration very shortly. As the Deputies will appreciate, I do not wish to pre-empt any decisions of Government in relation to these matters.

I have already signalled that it is not my intention to recommend that any new form of student contribution should be introduced before 2010. In the event that it is decided to introduce a form of student contribution from a future point, such arrangements would also apply, from that time, to those students who would have entered higher education this year i.e. 2009.