“A discussion paper setting out the options on third-level fees will be circulated by Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe among his Cabinet colleagues within weeks. There are strong indications that the 40,000-plus students who enrol at third level this September will be liable for the new charges – even though they will not actually be introduced until September 2010. It is also expected that some form of deferred payment scheme for students – rather than a return to fees paid by parents – will form the main thrust of the Minister’s proposals. However, sources stress that discussions on the final shape of the new regime are ongoing with the Department of Finance …” (more)
[Seán Flynn and Mary Minihan, Irish Times, 11 April]