A chara, - I was glad to see the article on investment in education by Niamh Breathnach (July 30th). I wish to do something which I had intended to do some time ago, namely to thank her most sincerely for her determination, against the wishes of many vested interests, to abolish university fees.
As a parent with three students in university, this was a fantastic concession to a member of the PAYE sector. It did not mean "free university education", as some newspapers liked to pretend. The cost of maintenance runs at a minimum of £3,500 to £4,000 per year per pupil in after-tax income. It is quite clear that every other sector except the PAYE sector has for years been able to fiddle maintenance grants and fees for grants by "arranging" financial affairs. Our political establishment has turned a blind eye to this fact for very good reasons - we don't need a tribunal to reveal the power of business, finance and property in this country. PAYE payers are bled clean while grants, tax writes offs and incentives go elsewhere.
With Mother England now bringing back tuition fees I would be very much afraid that our Government, as usual, will follow suit with arguments borrowed from our former masters. I do not trust the members of this Government, especially when we review their behaviour regarding university fees when in opposition. Parents of future university students, be on your guard!
I wish also to offer a heartfelt thanks to the Dublin parent Mrs Hopkins who led the campaign for the abolition of university fees in 1995. She deserves the gratitude of PAYE parents everywhere. Along with Niamh Breathnach she ensured that the foundation laid by the late Donagh O'Malley has been built on for the good of all. - Is mise,
Noel Collins,
Kilmallock, Co Limerick.