Fianna Fáíl open to college fee loans proposal

The introduction of a student fees loan scheme looks increasingly possible as Fianna Fáil has indicated its willingness to consider the option.

The proposal is one of three solutions to a looming annual €1bn higher education shortfall set out in the report of an expert group chaired by Peter Cassells, which Education Minister Richard Bruton published this week for consideration by the Oireachtas Education Committee.

Mr Bruton wants consensus on any plan to bring to Cabinet for decision but, while Labour and Sinn Féin oppose such a scheme, Fianna Fáil is cautiously open to the idea which is also favoured by its youth wing.