Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe has moved to calm fears about his forthcoming package on college fees, insisting ‘no group will be unfairly burdened’. His comments appear to signal that low- and middle-income earners may not be liable for major new charges. The Minister has still to decide on the final shape of his proposals which will go to Cabinet next week. But the centrepiece of his proposals is likely to be a deferred payment scheme whereby students repay the cost of their fees after graduation. At this stage it appears only households with a very high income will be liable for third-level fees – but sources stress that discussions on the final shape of the package is continuing. Mr O’Keeffe is expected to bring his final proposal to Cabinet next Tuesday or later next week …” (more)
[Seán Flynn, Irish Times, 26 March]