Staff at third level colleges back students in opposition of loans system

Staff unions at third-level colleges are backing the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) in their opposition to a student loan system that would see graduates paying back much higher fees than currently charged.

The ‘study now, pay later’ model is one of three options put forward in the report published in July by the expert group chaired by Peter Cassells. But the USI, Irish Federation of University Teachers, Impact, Siptu and Teachers’ Union of Ireland say the Government should instead back another option — significantly increase public funding in the sector.

The Cassells report said there would be a €600m annual shortfall between current income and the amount needed to maintain standards in third level within five years.