Sir, – People from the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds who want to go to college are impeded by the current system, which favours wealth over equality. It is all well and good to open the doors to more students but realistically these students cannot afford to go, given current structures. College is costly and grants have been cut. – Yours, etc,
AISLING BRUEN,
Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Sir, – Charging for third-level education through a loan scheme is the most balanced way of keeping access available to all income groups while providing the country’s third-level institutions with the necessary funds to provide a quality education. However, if put in place today, this would put some graduates at a disadvantage to those who have graduated before them with a “free” third-level education. A more complete solution would include the cost being spread out, with a small tax on those who have benefited in the past to reduce the burden on new graduates. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN RYAN,
Heidelberg, Germany.
Sir, – Pat Hughes (December 24th), in considering the monetary benefits to graduates of a degree, fails to consider two other significant beneficiaries, employers and the State. A well-educated workforce is one of the reasons for Ireland's high level of inward investment. It is only fair that those who profit from Ireland's education system should make a contribution. The best way to do this is by funding third-level education out of general taxation. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK BRADY,
Chislehurst,
Kent, England.