Delaying a decision not an option - Funding of third-level education

AS MOST parents know, the cost of sending a son or daughter to third level is truly massive. The stark reality is that many families cannot afford to pay the fees. Increasingly in this country, third-level education is becoming a privilege of the rich.

Yet, many struggle against the odds to carry the burden, hoping to give their children a better chance of getting on in life. Theirs can be a grinding experience, especially at a time when the majority of people are at the pin of their collar to find university fees of €3,000. Many also fork out thousands for student accommodation and other basic needs.

Unfortunately, in Ireland the laudable concept of “free” education has long since been consigned to the grave. Indeed, with the crisis besetting Irish education now being felt in every household, the report unveiled yesterday by an expert group on ways of funding third-level fees has to be welcomed by parents, students and by all those tasked with the job of either teaching in and/or running the college system.