Cowen criticises Labour decision to eliminate fees

THE TAOISEACH criticised the rainbow coalition’s decision to abolish third-level fees during sharp exchanges with the Labour leader. Brian Cowen said the decision was made to eliminate all fees, regardless of income, when Labour was in government.

“That was not the most socially progressive thing that ever happened, since it allowed those who were well capable of paying fees to pay nothing, thereby limiting the number of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds accessing education,” he added.

Mr Cowen said the move was “very popular at the time and the Labour Party thought it might hold on to its middle-class vote, but unfortunately, the tide had gone out for the party”.

Eamon Gilmore noted that later in the day there would be a major student demonstration outside Leinster House. The renewed programme for government had committed the Government to not proceed “with any new scheme of student contribution to third-level education”, he said.

That commitment, said Mr Gilmore, had been interpreted by the Green Party as meaning that there would not be a reintroduction of fees. There was a commitment to not doing “it by the back door” by increasing the student registration fee from €1,500 to €2,500 or €3,000.

There was also speculation, said Mr Gilmore, that the Government might introduce a new fee of €500 for post-Leaving Certificate students. He asked Mr Cowen to confirm that fees would not be reintroduced.

Mr Cowen said he was not in a position to divulge any discussions that had taken place at the Cabinet in respect of the various adjustments to be made.

“All of the commitments in the programme for government, or in any programme for government to which Deputy Gilmore subscribed, are dependent on the maintenance of financial stability in the country,” Mr Cowen added.

Mr Gilmore said he agreed that there must be a sustainable strategy in respect of the public finances and growth. The Taoiseach, said Mr Gilmore, sought to suggest the commitment not to reintroduce third-levels fees was made in a different economic environment. In fact, he added, the commitment was made in October of last year.

He said the Taoiseach had not distanced himself from the speculation about increases in fees.

“At a time when there are high levels of unemployment, does it make sense financially or socially to put new fee obstacles in the way of people entering education?’’ he added.

Mr Cowen said he would not stop Mr Gilmore speculating whatever he wanted because thousands of students were coming to protest, as they were entitled to.

“We know the game Deputy Gilmore is playing, but the reality for the Government is that it must examine these issues carefully and bring forward a budgetary policy that is credible,” he added.

He said there was a situation where 35 per cent less revenue was available than was the case prior to the crisis.

It was clear, said Mr Cowen, that one could not continue to borrow for day-to-day expenses on an ongoing basis.