Return of college fees threat over part-time students.

Irish Independent, Thursday February 14th 2002.

TUITION fees of €3,000 to €4,000 could be on the way back for more than 60,000 students in universities, colleges, and institutes of education.
The reintroduction of fees for full time students is one of two stark options set out in a confidential draft report to the Government.

It says that the Government has to create a level playing field between full-time students who have free tuition, and part-time students who are forced to pay fees.

One option is to abolish fees for part-time students but this would have "very significant cost implications for the Exchequer", says the draft.

Official sources say there are at least 25,000 part-time students in higher education paying €40m in fees every year. The more controversial option is to reintroduce means tested fees to apply to all courses, whether they are full-time or part-time.
The report says this may raise objections on the basis that it would involve the imposition of additional costs on some people.
However, this must be balanced against the consideration of giving all learners an equitable level of support.

Fees for full-time students were abolished in 1996/97. The draft was prepared by the Government appointed Task Force on Lifelong Learning - its members are drawn from the social partners and the main Government departments, including finance and Education.
It goes before a meeting on February 27 when the members will be expected to decide on which option to recommend.
Sources said there would be very strong opposition to the reintroduction of fees for full-time students.
One said it would be politically unacceptable in an election year to recommend fees for full-time students.

Although it is not represented on the Task Force, the idea was ruled out last night by the Union of Students in Ireland whose president Richard Hammond warned that it would be vehemently opposed.
"Students in Ireland fought tooth and nail for fees to be abolished as they were the primary cause of student hardship," said Mr Hammond, who called on Mr Woods to remove fees for part-time students.
"This would greatly enhance the country's education system and promote a new culture of learning among citizens of all ages," said Mr Hammond.

The report says that third level education is still largely oriented towards catering for the needs of students who have just completed their second level education and enter third level to study on a full-time basis.
However, for many people in employment, part time study (often in the evenings or at weekends) is the only realistic option open to them.

Part-time study can best be reconciled with work and family life if learning can be accessed at times and in ways which best fit with learner circumstances. Modularisation of courses can play a significant part in achieving this, the report points out.
The report also recommends that additional support be given to the Workplace Literacy initiative undertaken by the National Adult Literacy Agency.

A foundation level of guidance and counselling should be provided free, but fees should be charged for those requiring more intensive support. It says Ireland's long term competitiveness depend on workers at all levels having the opportunity to upgrade their skills.

John Walshe, Education Editor