Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1258 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of capital he estimates would be required to set up the proposed Australian model of third level fees, in which students take out a loan from the State to pay the cost of their education and then pay it back when they begin working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34036/09]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware I presented the technical report in relation to the introduction of a form of student contribution to my Cabinet colleagues recently. The report is intended to allow for an informed examination of the issue and sets out broad policy options in an Irish context which draws on experience from other systems that operate internationally. The report also sets out a range of variables and approaches in respect of such policy options, which will also need to be taken into account in its consideration. As the Deputy will appreciate I am not in a position to comment on specific aspects of this report in advance of its full consideration by Government.
