Dempsey to make early fees decision

An early decision will be made on third-level fees for next autumn, if the review currently under way is delayed or is more extensive than expected.

The Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, said he would make a "short-term" decision for the 2003/2004 academic year if the report is not available "within a reasonable time". It had been expected at the end of January and then again at the end of this month but "is still not to hand".

The review is looking at the system of tuition fees and student supports and comparing it with other countries to ensure greater equity in access to and participation in higher education.

Mr Paul Gogarty (Green, Dublin Mid-West) had said there was "huge uncertainty" among students and this momentum had been building up. If the Minister did not receive and decide on the review soon that uncertainly could continue until October when a new academic year began.

"The last thing I want to do is create uncertainty," the Minister said. "I accept that if this goes on much longer, if the report is not published and if decisions are not made, it would be unfair to students."

People "who are in the system and those about to move into it can rest assured that there will not be any major changes in relation to registration fees and the higher education grants before the completion of the review".

Mr Sean Crowe (SF, Dublin South-West) expressed concern that the Minister might continue to reintroduce fees by the back door through increased registration fees, and that would cause particular difficulty for people from disadvantaged communities. Mr Dempsey said that there was €383 million for student supports and he strongly believed it should go to those who most needed it.