There has been no decision to re-introduce third level fees the Taoiseach Mr Ahern told the Dáil today.
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A student protesting over
the proposed re-introduction of third-level fees outside the Dail today has handcuffs removed by members of the Garda. Photo: Photocall Ireland |
Responding to questions from the leaders of Fine Gael and Labour, Mr Ahern said that if the fees were re-implemented then very few people would be affected by them.
But the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, speaking in Brussels today said a measure aimed at a relatively small group could end up like the property tax in the 1992 which failed to collect significant revenues.
She said any attempt to pay for schemes aimed at increasing access to third-level education should be both practical and equitable.
Ms Harney said the coalition partners must clear up the matter as soon as possible but in the Dáil today Mr Ahern said a decision would not be made until a Department of Education review had been completed and discussed before Cabinet.
There has been considerable confusion surrounding Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey's mooted proposal. He is reportedly considering imposing an €8,000 fee for those studying medicine and other high-cost courses, while the fees for humanities courses would be €4,000.
And while Mr Ahern last week said only those earning "several hundred thousand" would be affected if the measure was introduced, Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte reminded the Taoiseach today that, ironically, Mr Ahern's brother, Noel - who is a minister of state - suggested an earnings threshold of €75,000.
However the Taoiseach was adamant in the Dáil today: "The Government will make its decision ... when the [Department] review has been fully carried out."
The plan has led to a row between the coalition partners and on the Fianna Fáil backbenches with Progressive Democrat leader, Ms Harney yesterday saying she is against the reintroduction of fees. However, today she said would listen to any proposals when they were brought before Cabinet.
Earlier today, Fine Gael's education and science spokesperson Ms Olwyn Enright called on Mr Dempsey to consider his position.
"He clearly does not have the backing of his partners in Government and of a sizeable number within his own party. Whether or not he has the support of his Taoiseach has yet to be seen.
"It's disgraceful that the Cabinet has not yet discussed the return of third level fees, and the Taoiseach has been guilty of a serious dereliction of duty by not raising this issue at Cabinet."