Madam, - A number of commentators, including some senior academics and university administrators, have advocated the return of third-level fees as a solution to the funding shortfall in the sector. Not all academics share this opinion.
If third-level fees were reintroduced, there is no guarantee that the real level of the block grant would be maintained by the Exchequer. It would be possible for future ministers to use the distracting claim of "creating world-class universities" as an opportunity to transfer costs from the public purse to parents and students. In effect, fees could become a substitute rather than an addition to the resources of the third-level sector.
Ireland's productive economy needs her universities to deliver the next generation of scientists, engineers, product designers and managers. In the absence of a sustained, guaranteed and index-linked commitment from the Exchequer, there is a distinct possibility that the reintroduction of third level fees would confound that aspiration. - Yours, etc,
Dr BERNARD MAHON,
Dean of Science
and Engineering,
NUI Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
Madam, - Any discussion on the reintroduction of university fees needs to take account of the increasing number of adult learners in Ireland.
The Higher Education Authority estimates that in 2006 almost 13 per cent of those enrolled in Irish universities were mature students. In 2004, 34,000 third-level students were part-time -- all of them required to fund their own education. Part-time enrolment constituted 13 per cent of all undergraduate enrolment and 31 per cent of all postgraduate enrolment in 2004.
Each year part-time third-level students attempt the almost impossible task of juggling job, family responsibilities and study in an effort to improve their employment prospects. Many are forced into debt.
The National Access Plan on Equity in Higher Education published recently points out that our economic sustainability is increasingly dependent on the learning achievements and skills of all citizens - and urges us to tackle the education and skills deficit within the workforce. Meanwhile, current funding criteria discourage adults who want to acquire a third level education on a part-time basis. The real losers are those in low-paid, temporary jobs, who do not qualify for the range of financial supports available to people on the live register.
Any discussion on fees needs to consider the real injustices faced by adult learners, who require educational options that are accessible, flexible, part-time, but most of all affordable. Given that 60 per cent of the 2020 workforce is already in the workforce, then let's learn from our mistakes by investing in them now. - Yours, etc,
BERNI BRADY,
Director,
Aontas,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.
Madam, - The suggestion by Minister Batt O'Keefe that the reintroduction of third-level fee is being considered is a disgrace.
Since the introduction of free fees in 1995 by former education minister Niamh Bhreathnach, the level of third-level participation has increased. Sadly, the level of government funding has not.
It would be short-sighted and short-termist to respond to the third-level funding crisis by imposing what would essentially be a tax on those hoping to get a degree.
Our education system should be based on merit, not means. - Yours, etc,
GARY HONER,
Vice-Chairperson and Campaigns Officer,
Labour Youth,
Clonard Road,
Dublin 12.