Students: College fees will lead to 'graduate brain drain'

Students are calling on the Government to spend more on third-level education rather than reintroduce college fees in order to fund the sector.

It comes as the long-awaited Higher Education Strategy Group report by economist Colin Hunt is published today.

The business group IBEC is urging the Government to introduce a student loan system immediately.

It said the delay in implementing a sustainable funding plan is unfair on students and their parents, as well as on third-level institutions.

However, the Union of Students in Ireland is opposing moves to introduce a deferred payment, or loan system for students.

USI President Gary Redmond says a loan system will lead to a "graduate brain drain".