Delay to decision on education fees, funding

A Government decision on student fees and how to fund higher education is to take at least another year as Education Minister Ruairi Quinn awaits more reports and reviews.

He wants to see proposals from colleges about mergers and reduced duplication of courses before deciding how much of a funding gap needs to be filled directly by students. However, if colleges do not come up with significant reforms, he will direct them on how the system is to be restructured and which ones should offer certain degrees.

Despite a range of reportsrecommending various funding models, most saying a student loan system is best suited, Mr Quinn said he also wanted to wait for further analysis of the funding situation. He has already said the €2,250 annual fee for undergraduates will rise €250 a year to €3,000 over the Government’s lifetime.