Posted online: Aug 15th, 2008

By Dermot Keys
dermot@letterkennypost.com

The re-introduction of third level fees could bring about a two-tier system that would deter many young people from applying for third level education, according to Martin Keeney of the Letterkenny Youth Information Centre.
Despite its omission from the Programme for Government, the Education Minister, Batt O’Keefe, admitted that the re-introduction of fees is being considered. Tuition fees were abolished in the mid 90’s but are now being re-examined as a result of the economic downturn.
“This would create another tier of young people who are not going to look at going on to third level as a result,” Mr Keeney told the Letterkenny Post.
He pointed to the fact that a lot of students no longer considered courses in Northern Ireland because of their prohibitive fees. Should fees be introduced in the Republic, this would completely remove the option of third level education for many young people.
“We’re dealing with a lot of young people who are trying to make decisions about what to do. Many of them are currently applying for grant assistance and some of them are finding out that they’re not eligible. It’s difficult for people who have to reckon with the fact that they don’t even qualify for grant assistance. That’s causing difficulties. If third level fees are reintroduced that then creates a whole different list of problems for people and their families.”
Families with more than one child in college could struggle financially if required to pay fees.
The worsening economic climate has also created issues for young people hoping to continue their studies after secondary school. Mr Keeney said that the accommodation and employment lists compiled by the centre were evidence of the worsening situation for young people. The accommodation list has been growing of late while the employment list has gotten smaller.
“There are a lot of people unable to find summer jobs. Many of them were seeking employment for the summer in order to support themselves in college. That option just isn’t available to them so they are going to struggle.”