PDs propose college fund plan

A US-style endowment system that would encourage wealthy parents to make cash contributions to universities will be considered as part of a review into third-level funding.

The Progressive Democrats will make a proposal to Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe, to give tax write-offs in return for personal or corporate donations to colleges.

PD leader Ciarán Cannon said last week he would not support the reintroduction of college fees — something being considered by Mr O’Keeffe — but said the junior coalition party will contribute enthusiastically to the debate on the issue.

The PDs will recommend making contributions to a university endowment fund tax-deductible in a submission to Mr O’Keeffe’s consultation process on third-level funding.

The party’s submission will have input from third-level academics in the party ranks and its youth movement. The department is to consider such a scheme, but said it has not decided the terms of reference for a review of college funding and an audit of university spending.

An expert group assembled by the department will begin work this autumn on preparing a new strategy for third-level education.

Meanwhile, it’s reported that the Helix theatre in Dublin City University (DCU) has accumulated losses of €7.2 million since it opened and requires fresh capital to keep it afloat. It was hoped that the Helix would bring in extra funds for the running of the university.

DCU’s president, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski has continued to press for the reintroduction of third-level fees, citing inadequate government funding.

The university said the Helix losses were not related to the calls for the reintroduction of fees and that the operation of the Helix did not require State support.