Plans to reduce third level fees for students agreed by Cabinet
THE Cabinet last night agreed plans to reduce the costs paid by third-level students.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris brought a memo to Cabinet last night setting out a new funding model, with further investment coming from the taxpayer.
The move is aimed at reducing the cost of education for students and their families. However, there will be no cut to the €3,000 per year registration fees until October’s budget, at the earliest.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Harris said the policy was ‘very significant’. He added that the issue of third level funding had been ‘kicked around for far too long’ and that there was a need to reduce the student-lecturer ratio.
Ireland has a ratio of one lecturer for every 20 students, which is significantly worse than the European average of one lecturer for every 15 students.
‘In my view, we need to properly fund third level education. Decisions around actual amounts are always a matter for budget,’ he said.
The Minister is set to announce details about the core investment issue and new student support this morning.