A proposal to reintroduce third-level fees will be brought before the Cabinet within three weeks, the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, told Fianna Fáil backbenchers last night.
During a lively Parliamentary Party debate in Leinster House, the Minister acknowledged that divisions exist among TDs and senators about his proposals.
Nine Fianna Fáil TDs, including Cork South Central TD, Mr Batt O'Keeffe, strongly opposed the move, warning that it could have serious implications for Fianna Fáil.
The opponents also included the leader of Fianna Fáil in the Seanad, Mrs Mary O'Rourke, Mayo TD, Ms Beverley Cooper-Flynn and Dublin South West TD, Mr Conor Lenihan.
However, four TDs, including Mr Pat Carey and Mr Sean Ardagh, backed the Minister's plans on the grounds that it would bring more equality into the system.
Accepting that people could "take either side of the argument", Mr Dempsey said that the report to come before the Cabinet would "take into account and reflect" the concerns of backbenchers.
However, he did not give details of the final shape of the proposals to the Parliamentary Party, which will include the introduction of an Australian-style loans scheme.
The proposals were originally promised last November, but have been repeatedly delayed since then as opposition against third-level fees mounted within the Cabinet.
Last month, the Department of Education acknowledged that the review group set up by the Minister would not meet its Easter deadline and was unable to say when the group would produce findings. Fianna Fáil TDs have become increasingly concerned that the Progressive Democrats are being portrayed as leading the fight inside the Government against the return of fees.
The Minister argues that a free third-level fees system is unfair, since it offers the same benefits to the children of richer families as to those in need of help.
Speaking in the Dáil in April, the Progressive Democrat leader and Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said access to third-level education is "essential for young people".
"We all share that view. I have no doubt that that will be foremost in the mind of the Minister for Education and Science when he brings the proposals to the Cabinet shortly," she said pointedly.
Last weekend, the Labour Party said the reintroduction of fees was "a regressive move" which would hurt the ability of poor and middle-class children to get to college and university.
In addition, the Labour Party argued that maintenance grants available to students must be sharply increased if poorer ones were not to fall victim to high rents and travel costs.
