“Dental students would face massive debts of around €64,000 when they graduate from university, under a controversial plan for a ‘graduate tax’ proposed by Fine Gael yesterday. The opposition party’s plan for reforming the third-level education sector would mean graduate dentists repaying €1,333 a month for four years or €1,067 for five years. By contrast, arts graduates would end up paying much less — €238 a month over four years or €190 over five years. Launching its ‘Third Way’ reform document, Fine Gael ruled out a return to fees but instead proposed a new graduate PRSI contribution scheme …” (more)
[John Walshe, Independent, 19 March]