Education system should be based on merit

THE suggestion by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe that third-level fees may be reintroduced is a disgrace.

Since the introduction of free fees in 1995 by the then Education Minister, Niamh Breathnach, third-level entrants have increased but, sadly, the amount of government funding has not. It would be shortsighted to respond to the third-level funding crisis by imposing what would essentially be a tax on those hoping to get a degree. Our education system should be based on merit, not means.

Gary Honer