FG Propose 'Third Way' For Student Fees

Fine Gael is proposing a new system for students to pay for third-level education.

Under the new scheme, students would shell out 30% of the cost of their courses once they graduate and gain employment.

The party says it would abolish third-level registration fees as part of the new funding model, which it says could raise €500m per year for colleges and universities.

In its Green Paper published today, which will go before the Daíl, Fine Gael gave several hypothetical examples of how the scheme would work.

The document said: "Joe has completed an Arts degree in three years. The accumulated cost of his degree programme was €38,000. His graduate contribution will amount to €11,400.

"Aisling has completed a Science degree. The accumulated cost of her four year degree was €54,460. Her 30% contribution amounts to €16,338.

"Diarmuid has completed an Engineering degree. The accumulated cost of his four year degree was €56,988. His 30% contribution amounts to €17,096."

Speaking about the new proposals, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said: "The future prosperity of this country depends on getting higher education right. As these proposals show, Fine Gael is determined to reform the higher education sector and reposition our Universities and Institutes to become world leaders in education. Delivering quality higher level education cannot be left to chance."

The party said it opposed third-level fees, but believed it is fair to require graduates to make additional PRSI payments for a period of years until they have paid 30% of the cost of their course.

It says the money raised would be distributed to colleges and universities "based on their performance to deliver change under certain criteria".

(DW/BMcC)