O’Keeffe to recommend college deferred-loan system

The Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe is expected to recommend a deferred-loan system for students to cover the cost of their third-level education, bringing an end to fee-free college.

The new system is similar to that which operates in Australia.

Mr O'Keeffe says his proposals, which will be given to ministers this week for consideration, has been family-proofed.

A decision is not expected until September with a new student contribution system coming into effect in autumn of next year.