The abolition of fees for adults undertaking third-level courses is to be examined by a group appointed by the Government.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs will examine the idea as part of a review of adult education. Some of the group members favour easing the burden by either dropping fees or giving generous tax breaks to those financing the costs of courses. It will issue recommendations to the Government later this year.
The chairman of the group, Dr Daniel O'Hare, the former president of DCU, said all "potential barriers" to adult education participation would be examined by the group. However, he stressed no recommendation on fees had been made at this stage.
"There is no doubt fees are seen by many people as a barrier, but it is a controversial area and needs to be examined in detail." He said the best way to look at the fees issue would probably be to set up a sub-committee of the group, or appoint a consultant to study it. The Government is trying to promote greater levels of adult education as the demands for leading edge skills in the world economy grow. The recommendation from the Points Commission that 15 per cent of all third-level places be reserved for mature students has triggered a debate on who will pay the costs.
IBEC has said that if the Government wants the workforce to update its skills, it should "examine the whole question of fee support" at third level.
The Minister of State for Education, Mr Willie O'Dea, who has responsibility for adult education, said he would welcome the abolition of fees for adult education participants, but the cost of such a move would have to be examined closely. If the group recommends the ending of fees, it could cost State millions, as many of the courses involved are the most costly in the education system.