Tallaght IT is calling on the Government to address the inequalities that part-time students suffer: while full-time students get free fees, part-time students have to pay. "If the State is to build on our recent gains and remain competitive in the global business environment, then we will have to encourage and support more and more non-traditional students," says Tallaght IT director Dr Columb Collins. "Nor will it be sufficient to continue to focus on full-time higher education. We must respond to the challenge of providing lifelong learning opportunities, as existing employees will be required to gain higher qualifications and skills. A properly funded continuing higher education programme is an essential component in the sustained development of the State."