All third-level students should get State loans, says economist

THIRD-LEVEL students should be funded by a State loan system which would allow anybody attend college regardless of their background, according to a leading economist.

Trutz Haase, an independent social and economic consultant, said educational disadvantage could be eradicated with a scheme like ones operating in other European countries.

A decision on whether to re-introduce college fees for some or all students is expected to be made by Education Minister Noel Dempsey before the end of the year.

"I'm not for the introduction of fees across the board, but if it's on a loan basis and ability to pay I wouldn't be against it," Mr Haase said.

"But in Germany, for example, anyone who goes to college is paid for by the State, which recoups the money from the parents or the student themselves over time. This means that anyone can go to college with their fees and maintenance completely covered." he said.

Mr Haase, who has worked with the Combat Poverty Agency and the Education Research Centre at St Patrick's College in Drumcondra, addressed a conference on education disadvantage in Wexford yesterday.

He said the primary and secondary level education system should undergo a strong strategic orientation to produce more equitable outcomes, rather than putting programmes to tackle disadvantage in place as problems arise in different areas.

"In some cases, the additional resources provided are not used for the specified purpose, but merely integrated within existing teaching practices and activities," said Mr Haase.

Although no decision on the issue of college fees has yet been made, it looks increasingly likely they will be brought back on a means-tested basis.

However, any such move would probably be matched by an increase in the income thresholds for maintenance grants.

A legal challenge or equality case is being threatened by students to any re-introduction of fees, on the grounds that the income of a students' parents should not determine whether they pay fees or not.

They have also questioned whether it would be fair to have different criteria for payment between younger students and those aged 23 or over, who are classed as mature students.