Fine Gael has vowed to stand up to Fianna Fáil on the issue of college fees. 

For the current academic year, fees were reduced from €3,000 to €2,000; however, last week Fianna Fáil Minister for Higher Education James Lawless mused that they might return to their original level this year. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, TD John Clendennen said he “respected” the Minister’s position but said that was not the view of Fine Gael. 

“We’re very much in favour of supporting students and supporting families who are putting their family members through education,” he said. 

“We would like to see that support continue; it is a commitment in the Programme for Government to reduce college fees.” 

Simon Harris and Micheál Marti. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie.

Deputy Clendennen added the Government has made “great strides” making third-level education more accessible in recent years and fee reductions were part of that. 

“What we need to do now is that we remain committed to it in advance of budget talks and during budget talks,” the Offaly TD said. 

“And highlight what this cost is to the exchequer and what we get in return. 

“A €1,000 reduction in college fees amounts to around €99 million in terms of the exchequer. 

“But what it does in return and long-term value cannot be underestimated.” 

Value for money?

On The Pat Kenny Show, The Home Show presenter Sinead Ryan said third-level education in Ireland remains significantly cheaper than in other English speaking countries. 

“When you compare it to countries, including the UK and notably anywhere across America, you are going to find that this is virtually free,” she argued. 

“Based on the SUSI grant, means that anybody on a mid level income - up to €50,000 a year - can educate their son or daughter for free. 

“So, it really is a very generous system and I find that people don’t apply for SUSI because they think, like a lot of means tested stuff in Ireland, you have to be on social welfare to get that. 

“Not so, 50% of students come under some or other of the SUSI grants and I would encourage everybody to apply for it.

“You can apply right up to the start of college.” 

Ms Ryan continued that large families are also entitled to further reductions. 

“They might be very annoying when you’re doing the Leaving Cert but actually, it’s brilliant now because the more siblings that are in the family, the more likely you are to get the SUSI grant because allowances are made for each child still in education,” she said. 

“So, the thresholds are increased by a chunk of money for each child.”

Main image: Students passing under the archway of Trinity College in Dublin. Picture by: PA.