Quinn to reveal third-level blueprint

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn will outline his first major blueprint for the shape and funding of the third-level sector this week following consideration of a number of major reports.

While the Economic and Social Research Institute has backed a student loan system, Mr Quinn previously said he does not favour this option.

The scheme in an ESRI report for the Higher Education Authority, published on Friday, would see students repay state loans covering college fees once they reach certain income levels.