Green Party Education spokesperson, Paul Gogarty TD, said today, "The impetus behind Minister Dempsey's request for an OECD review of our Education system is more about dealing with the current political hot potato than about increasing access to third level education for the underprivileged."

"I welcome a review by the OECD, however the political motivation behind it is truly unbelievable. The third level fees row has largely taken place in the media and not in the Dáil as one might expect. As yet Minister Dempsey has neither published his own review into the Education system nor brought any proposals to cabinet regarding the reintroduction of third levels fees."

"It is time for Minister Dempsey and the Government to come clean on what they intend to do. The internal infighting of the Coalition is of little concern to the Leaving Cert students in the country but the re-introduction of college fees will have a major impact on their immediate plans for the future. It is time for action and for a clear statement of policy to be issued."

Green Party Education spokesperson Paul Gogarty TD, today called on the Government to come clean about their real intentions on third level fees in order to give Leaving Cert students peace of mind and a chance to review their options.

Describing the current public disagreements between Fianna Fail and the PDs as a "phoney war", Deputy Gogarty said that statements from representatives from both parties indicated that there is a consensus in Government about the introduction of some form of loan scheme similar to that in operation in the UK and Australia. This would be a dangerous move, he warned.

"The proposed fee for those on high incomes is a red herring, which will not raise any significant revenues in year one. It is unlikely that the Government will introduce this politically sensitive measure in the current climate. Interestingly, the PDs have shown no opposition to a loan scheme, which would be equally dangerous. The Australian HECS scheme has led to high post graduate debt levels and an exodus of graduates."

"Speaking yesterday on the Second Stage of the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002, the Tanaiste, Mary Harney, said, 'We must enhance our ability to compete at the pinnacle of knowledge and produce the people through our education system who will take on the new challenges'. As Ireland moves to compete economically in the post-Celtic Tiger era, our main advantage will lie in our human resources. If we are to meet the challenges of providing an added value high skills base we need to encourage graduates to study and to work in Ireland. The loan scheme, and indeed any fees introduced, will only act as a disincentive for young people to study in Ireland. It will also lead to a brain drain among our best graduates who will opt for working abroad rather than be laden down with loan repayments."