Greens set to consider graduate tax

A GRADUATE tax will be one of the measures on education funding considered by the Green Party at a seminar in the coming months amid increasing pressure to fund colleges and reintroduce fees.

Party leader John Gormley and education spokesman Paul Gogarty will organise the event, following considerations that a graduate tax could raise €180 million annually.

Student representatives last night warned though that the introduction of a similar system in Australia had been a “shambles” and saddled the government there with huge debts.

Paul Gogarty yesterday confirmed the issue of a graduate tax would be considered at his party seminar, but insisted there would be no moves to roll it out during the lifetime of the present government.

“We’re open to discussing the issue but we’re not for turning in policy terms no matter what persuasion is used on us, it’s not going to happen during the lifetime of this government.

“If there is an argument that a graduate tax can be done that doesn’t impinge on students and place a huge burden on them, and is going to be collectable, and isn’t going to lead to a brain drain, we have an open mind.”

Education Minister Mary Coughlan last week ruled out the reintroduction of third-level fees despite colleges warning they are struggling to meet costs.

But some form of a student contribution is expected to be recommended to the Government in an autumn report of a higher education strategy steering group chaired by economist Colin Hunt.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) last night though said it was vehemently opposed to any consideration of a graduate tax.