The recently launched National Strategy for Higher Education will “undermine the Irish education system” and make third level available to those who can afford it, says a spokesperson for NUI Galway Students’ Union.
The comment by SU president Peter Mannion was made following the official launch on last week of a report containing the Government’s strategy which seeks to transform the higher education sector over the next two decades.
However, NUI Galway President Dr James Browne has warmly welcomed the report, describing it as a “comprehensive” look at the issues facing third level education and a “good road map for the future” which lays out clearly recommendations to improve further education for students from varied backgrounds.
The report contains many recommendations, among which is the introduction of a student fees system combining both upfront and deferrred student payments. The plan, drawn up by a group led by economist and former Government advisor Dr Colin Hunt, also calls for additional funding to be made available for higher education. It recommends that participation in third level should be increased and a number of improvements made, but to do this more funding is needed and higher student payments are the only realistic option.
Commenting on the report SU’s Mr Mannion said the introduction of student fees “would undermine the Irish education system, making third level available only on the basis of financial circumstances rather than academic ability. It would undoubtedly reduce participation, particularly among students from lower income families. Third level education is essential for Ireland’s economic recovery. We must maintain a world class system that is accessible to all and allows people from all economic backgrounds to realise their potential”.
However, Dr Browne stressed that everyone has a right to fulfill their potential but that the taxpayers alone cannot cope with footing the entire bill for third level education and that some contribution by students is vital.
“Third level education is currently costing €2 billion per year of taxpayers money. The participation of people going onto third level is at 60 per cent, the Government wants, and quite rightly, to increase participation to around 73/74 per cent. That’s as it should be, but the increase in participation is going to cost money. There is also a risk to the quality of third level education so we have to choose how to better resource it. The report suggests a system where a fee is charged upfront and that a student might get a loan from the State. This is a system that works in Australia, the UK, and other countries so it is do-able in Ireland. At the moment the cost is skewed too much to society... it costs a student on average €11,000 per year which the State is paying. A new student system is necessary as the taxpayer cannot afford it.”
Dr Browne added that NUI Galway was very welcoming of this report as it “will help chart the way forward for higher education”. Dr Browne also stressed that the report tackles many issues other than student fees, including ways the first year student experience can be improved, encouraging feedback and enhancing the quality of courses, research-led teaching, and increased collaboration with other institutions and engagement with the wider society. “We are generally welcoming of the report and are prepared to work towards it,” he concluded.
