Vol. 562 No. 3
5 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the report he commissioned in regard to the possible reintroduction of third level fees and the possible introduction of a loan scheme for students similar to that used in Australia. [5925/03]
A review of student support provisions is being undertaken within my Department with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of the substantial investment being made are maximised, in accordance with the following terms of reference: "To review the present system of tuition fees and student supports, having regard to international experience, in order to provide options for the Minister's consideration with a view to ensuring greater equity in access to and participation in higher education." The review will consider various options, and will include a review of schemes in operation in many OECD countries. Officials of my Department are conducting the review. However, some issues require the engagement of external expertise. In this regard, the Economic and Social Research Institute has undertaken work to enable my Department to estimate the cost of various options. Relevant recently published reports will also inform the work of the review group.
It is anticipated that the review will be submitted for my attention in the very near future. When I have had an opportunity to consider the contents of the review I will bring the matter to Cabinet.
Is the Minister aware of the huge concern among students in regard to this issue, about which they have been building up momentum? I am sure he is aware of the huge protest which took place a number of weeks ago organised by the Union of Students in Ireland. There is much concern among students. The main issue, apart from the question of fees, is the uncertainty. If the Minister does not publish his decision, let alone the report, within the next couple of weeks, that uncertainly may continue into October. Will he, therefore, release the findings of the report or, at the very least, his decision on the preferred option within the next couple of weeks in order that there will be certainty, that we can tackle him on the adequacy or inadequacy of his proposals and that students will know what they face as they enter first year or subsequent years?
I am very much aware of the concerns being raised by students, parents and perspective students. I accept that because the review is ongoing, it has created uncertainty. One cannot, however, undertake a review without creating that kind of uncertainty. As the Deputy knows, I had hoped to receive the report initially by the end of last month and then by the end of this month but that has not happened. If it is not available within a reasonable time, I will make an announcement in that regard and whatever decisions are necessary in regard to short-term measures for 2003-04 to allow time for the report to be published and a proper discussion to take place on it. The last thing I want to do is create uncertainty. I accept that if this continues much longer, the report is not published and decisions are not made, it will be unfair to students.
If the Minister does not receive the report by Easter, will he give a commitment that recommendations will not be implemented for the 2003-04 academic year?
I cannot give such a commitment because I do not know what the report might contain. If major changes are recommended, I will give a commitment to allow a reasonable lead-in time for the options considered. I cannot give a blanket commitment that it, or portions of it, will not be implemented this year.
