MINISTER FOR Education Batt O'Keeffe is to be commended for reopening the debate on third level fees. For some considerable time, third level colleges have been wrestling with worsening financial difficulties.
A majority of colleges are running a budget deficit and the recent imposition of a 3 per cent cut in payroll costs is compounding the problem. Last month, the seven university presidents warned of the prospect of cuts in degree programmes and other services.
It is important to put this warning into perspective. The instinctive response of any organisation is to rail against cutbacks in State support but it was the Government itself which identified universities as a key driver in the development of the "knowledge economy". This, in turn, is seen as crucial to underpinning future prosperity in an increasingly competitive global economy. In reopening the debate on fees, the Minister is implicitly acknowledging that the Government cannot have it both ways. It can insist on the efficient use of public funds but it cannot demand world-class standards from the third-level sector while denying it adequate funding. The most recent estimates suggest Irish universities need an additional €300 million to compete on equal terms with corresponding colleges in the OECD. Those who oppose fees must be challenged to explain how they would respond to the funding crisis.
That said, the prospect of a return of college fees will cause alarm to many families who have not budgeted for - and simply could not afford - costs of as much as €5,000 per annum. And such expenditure should be seen in the context of the growing pressure placed on parents by rising childcare bills, as well as ever increasing demands on them to contribute to funding at primary and secondary level.
In reflecting on these issues, it is important to recognise that the decision to abolish fees in the mid-1990s has helped to boost third-level participation. Greater prosperity has been a contributing factor also. But the impact has not been all positive. Many middle-class parents have used the money saved on fees to fund private second-level education in fee-paying schools and grind schools. Today about 25 per cent of all second-level students in Dublin are in the fee-paying sector. At the same time, many outstanding schools in the "free'' public school sector are struggling for numbers or face closure.
Given the importance of investment in third level, it makes sense for the Government to target those who can afford to pay for second level education and others with a high degree of disposable income. The practical task is to ensure that if fees are reintroduced, they are applied in an equitable manner that does not act as a disincentive to participation at third level, particularly on the part of those from lower income families. Imagination and common sense are required.
As the initial response demonstrated yesterday, Mr O'Keeffe faces a real challenge in ensuring the debate he has begun balances the competing interests. The result must be a world class third-level sector which is open to all who have the desire and ability to participate in it.