Is it time for Ireland to reintroduce fees?

The debate about the best way to fund higher level education in Ireland has recently been reignited, with Fine Gael pledging to introduce a student loan scheme for third-level education if the party is returned to government. The scheme has received backing from the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) who claim the introduction of a loan scheme is necessary to curb the decline in funding and quality in third level education in Ireland, with total government funding allocated to universities declining by 36% between 2008 and 2014.

Trinity has consistently slipped down the tables in both the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education rankings in recent years. Last year Trinity placed 78th in the QS rankings, compared to being ranked 43rd in 2009. In response, Trinity has recently announced the establishment of the Rankings Steering Group, to be chaired by Provost Patrick Prendergast. It is apparent that this decline seen by Trinity is reflective of the lack of resources and funding available and thus it is clear that student fees could have an important role to play in solving the issue.

Despite the introduction of “free fees” two decades ago, an annual student registration fee has climbed to €3,000. This fee has risen by €250 a year over the past four years.

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