The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Dempsey, has been urged to clarify the Government's position on the re-introduction of third level fees.
Fine Gael and the Labour Party both called for clarification of the Government’s position following reports the Department of Finance had lobbied for a return to fees - which were abolished in 1995.
Fees were abolished by the then Minister for Education, Ms Niamh Bhreathnach, in an attempt to improve access to third-level education to all sections of society.
Reports in the media at the weekend suggested Mr Dempsey was looking at ways to improve student support, which cost the Exchequer €330 million a year, with a view to enhancing participation in the education system by those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Speaking to Today FM last week, Mr Dempsey said if the current system was not benefiting those sectors, he would have to look at changing the current arrangements.
However, a report in today's Irish Timessuggested Mr Dempsey had resisted moves by the Department of Finance to reintroduce fees during recent negotiations on the forthcoming Estimates but that he favoured radical action to address the growing inequalities in education.
A report published last year by the Higher Education Authority report found that only 38 per cent of vocational school students reached third-level while 70 per cent of students attending fee-paying schools reached third level.