Poll: Students prefer loan scheme to FG’s graduate tax

THE majority of young people do not support Fine Gael’s proposals for a “graduate tax” and instead favour a loan scheme to fund third level education.

An Irish Examiner-Red C poll found more students would prefer to pay up-front fees than be burdened with extra taxes when they enter the workforce.

Fine Gael’s graduate tax proposal would mean degree-holders paying increased PRSI contributions over a period of up to 10 years after graduation to meet around one-third of their higher education cost to the State.