The Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, is to ask the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to conduct the most comprehensive review of third-level education in a generation. The move could delay the crucial decision on any reintroduction of third-level fees.
There was speculation in education circles last night that the review - which will consider issues such as widening access to third-level education for all social groups - could provide a way out of the current political controversy over the proposed return of college fees.
Sources stress that a range of other options are also being examined in advance of what is likely to be a critical Cabinet meeting on the fees issue next Tuesday.
The move follows a week of strain between the coalition partners, with growing uncertainty over when fees might be reintroduced and at what level.
The Progressive Democrats have repeatedly spelt out publicly their opposition to reintroducing fees in any form.
The Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, however, is said to have new information sustaining his case that the abolition of fees in 1995 has done little to widen access - the only comprehensive data, prepared by Prof Patrick Clancy of UCD, was published five years ago and only reflects trends during the first years of free fees.
Sources say Ministers may want more up-to-date information on the impact of the free fees system on access before agreeing to the return of fees.
The review, the first full-scale examination since the 1960s, is certain to examine the fees issue in the context of future funding of third-level. A recent report from a leading authority on third-level education, Prof Malcolm Skilbeck, said the sector in the Republic lacked overall direction, and terms of reference for the review by the Paris-based group are now being finalised.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday denied the debate over any reintroduction of fees was causing "great friction" in Government.
Speaking at Dromoland Castle, Co Clare, he said the debate "is not about the fees issue but greater access for all to further education".
He said: "I do not think it is unreasonable for somebody of high income to pay a contribution to the education [of their children]. I do not think it unreasonable that I have to pay, and there are many people in the country earning far more than I, even though I consider myself well paid, for fees - and I gladly paid for my second daughter's education in private education."
Fianna Fáil and PD figures were yesterday involved in discussions to resolve the dispute over third-level fees with sources in both parties expressing determination to end differences over the issue.
Government sources noted imminent difficult decisions on the future of health services, saying Ministers were determined to have the third-level fees controversy dealt with before then.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Kenny, said a government led by his party had "abolished third-level fees on a point of principle" but this Government wanted to bring them back to bring in "extra cash".
Mr Kenny also launched a week-long campaign around the State against the reintroduction of fees.