Madam, – As a member of Ireland’s future, I am grossly disheartened and worried over the announcement by Batt O’Keefe of a proposed deferred college fees payment system (“O’Keeffe signals preference for student loans”, July 6th).
I have to yet sit the Leaving Cert and with less than a year to go for myself and thousands of candidates there is cause for great concern and anxiety.
I consider the prospect of a severe financial burden with a lump in my throat. Ever since the conception of “free fees” in Ireland we have produced some of the most educated and talented to be found.
This will surely come to an end if our students are to be charged thousands of euros for our futures.
The question “Is it really worth it?” has crossed many of our minds. It is a daunting consideration but unfortunately such a payments system will be the only viable option for many.
The lack of confidence in the Irish economy at present leaves us with considerable doubt that there will be any employment available in Ireland once we graduate.
How do we pay for our futures then? No doubt with additional copious amounts of taxation.
This yet again proves the Government’s promises of “protecting our youth” as false and presents a justifiable argument that our Government cannot be trusted. – Yours, etc,