Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
277. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has requested a technical study on the operation of a student loan scheme; if this study has been commissioned; the person by whom the study is being carried out; the date of completion of the study; the terms of reference of the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/17]
View answerThe Cassells report considers a number of potential funding options including the deferred payment of student fees.
The report was referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills by my colleague Minister Bruton in order to build political consensus on the most appropriate sustainable future funding model for higher education.
No policy decisions are being taken in this area pending the outcome of examination of the Cassells report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills.
I look forward to receiving the recommendations from the Joint Committee once they have concluded their consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Arising from the future funding options presented in the Expert Group report, technical work in relation to income contingent student loans is being undertaken by an inter-departmental group chaired by my Department.
This work of the inter-departmental group is intended to address some of the practical issues that will have to be considered if there is a policy decision in the future to introduce an income contingent loan scheme.
