USI rejects student loans proposal

The Union of Students of Ireland (USI) has dismissed proposals from a Fine Gael TD calling for the introduction of a UK-style student loan system.

Pat Deering, TD for Carlow and Kilkenny says offering loans would reduce the financial stress on parents and students.

But the USI said such a system would lead to a drop-off in the number of people applying for college places as it would lead to families building up more debt.

USI President Joe O'Connor said such a system would not work here in Ireland.

"The USI would in no way support the introduction of a student loan scheme here in Ireland," Mr O'Connor said.

"I think it's proven across the countries where it's been implemented in the past… that loan schemes, when introduced, lead to a situtation whereby families from lower socio-economic backgrounds which are more debt-averse find it difficult to access third-level education.

"This has been the case in the UK where there has been a significant drop-off in access since this was introduced."