HEA recommendations at odds with free fees activists

The Government faces more headaches on third-level fees as students continue to campaign for free college while the higher education sector looks set to call for increased fees to prevent the system collapsing.

The Government-appointed Higher Education Authority has begun a review which aims to recommend how to fund a system already straining under the pressure of rising student numbers and falling funds.

The HEA set out a range of options late last year, including increased student contributions, a student loan scheme, or a graduate tax. But Education Minister Ruairi Quinn instead announced a rise to €2,250 a year in student contributions for those who do not receive a grant.