Third-level education should be funded either through "a modest increase in income tax" or by scrapping certain tax breaks rather than the reintroduction of fees, the Green Party has suggested.
Criticising the proposed abolition of free third-level education, Green Party education spokesman Mr Paul Gogarty said the move would only hurt middle income PAYE earners who had already been affected by increases in college registration fees. "During the Celtic Tiger era the Government's tax breaks benefited the wealthiest in our society. It is only proper that the people who benefited then should pay the most now when investment in education is needed like never before.
"New revenues could be raised through the abolition of tax breaks for fee-paying schools. The Greens also believe that tax-paying parents would be prepared to accept a modest increase in income tax by way of a special levy provided monies were ring-fenced specifically for education," he said. Commenting on reports that the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, was considering introducing a third-level loans system similar to Australia, Mr Gogarty remarked: "Such a move here would be catastrophic, not just (for) students, but for the future state of our economy.
"A recent Australian study found that people with loan debts were less likely to buy houses, take out loans and have children because they were not willing to take on more debt. Loan systems have proven to be very expensive." Currently in Australia there is a national student debt of €4.9 billion which is set to rise to €6.4 billion in 2004. The idea of a debt for life, the uncertainty of a better life after a degree and the very ingrained nature of financial disadvantage have all meant that most poorer people either choose to forgo university or simply cannot afford the debt, he said.
A review group set up last year by Mr Dempsey to look into the fees issue is due to report to him within a matter of days. While the Minister has yet to receive the report's findings, it is understood he is considering introducing an "interim measure" on fees in September until he reaches a final decision on the issue.
The Minister has repeatedly made clear his personal conviction that fees should return in a rebalancing of spending priorities.
However, there is strong opposition to the move both among Fianna Fáil backbenchers and the Progressive Democrats. Last week, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, reiterated her opposition in the Dáil, saying "access to, and the availability of, a good education is essential for young people".
