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Attn incoming first years - we have warned yee about tution fees, so you can't sue!

  • 20-08-2009 1:11am
    #1
    giveliberty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭


    Irish Times reporting today that the Minister for Education, through the HEA has requested that all HEI Presidents inform all first years upon enrolment that they 'may' have to pay fees.

    Link here.

    Hilarious tactic.

    Strangely - as a current student - I don't feel bad about this - you will get to enjoy the benefits of a government which is less crippled by proping up the third level system.

    For the record I'd be happy to pay a graduate tax, but the government won't accept my offer, ah well.


Comments

  • #2
    StephenM_smc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 118 ✭✭StephenM_smc


    I think its a bit harsh to those going into college this year.

    I found this line interesting though:
    Most third-level students already pay a registration charge of about €1,500.

    Did they put up the registration fee?


  • #3
    K4t
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,362 ✭✭✭K4t


    Yes, €1,500 as it is.

    OP, what makes you so sure that the extra revenue will be invested in 3rd level education and not used to further bail out the banks, pay off national debt etc.???


  • #4
    giveliberty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭giveliberty


    Because from what I hear individual colleges will be collecting AND setting the tuition fee.

    Mind you a large chunk of the registration fee is clawed back too.

    The whole idea of bringing back fees is to increase college budgets. It would be a pointless exercise otherwise!


  • #5
    Col Man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 92 ✭✭Col Man


    K4t wrote: »
    Yes, €1,500 as it is.

    OP, what makes you so sure that the extra revenue will be invested in 3rd level education and not used to further bail out the banks, pay off national debt etc.???


    Well we're obviously going to have to pay it back sometime, why do you consider it such a poor use of funds? Do you expect us to attempt to have it forgotten about?


  • #6
    StephenM_smc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 118 ✭✭StephenM_smc


    Col Man wrote: »
    Well we're obviously going to have to pay it back sometime, why do you consider it such a poor use of funds? Do you expect us to attempt to have it forgotten about?

    My understanding was that colleges need increased funding and the government are using fee's as a way of financing this requirement, rather than introducing fee's as a way to pay off the national debt. Unfortunately given yesterday's €1bn bond issue, it will be another while before we will actually be reducing debt.


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  • #7
    friendface
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 812 ✭✭✭friendface


    I'm surprised there haven't been a few more comments about the fees issue on here. I suppose it was inevitably going to be re-introduced at some stage. Didn't seem to make any major news headlines today, just got a mention under another topic on the 9 o'clock news tonight and it was only on the Irish Times website for a small while today. I really expected much more outcry about this.

    Am I correct in saying that this will not affect grant holders, even new students this year as the grant already covers course fees. As far I know, the government are currently looking into a more rigorous means-testing for higher education grants including the introduction of an asset assessment. To be honest, I can't see the current grant regime remaining too much longer in its current form with the mounting national debt. I expect maintenance rates will be cut severely in the next budget an well as income limits for eligibility. In effect I think those eligible for the grant in the future will basically just get their course fees covered and receive a minimal level of financial support.

    Also, I don't think this is going to increase the income of individual colleges as mentioned previously. It just removed the financial burden of paying for course fees from the government and places them on the individual. The universities will still receive the same income.

    In fairness the free fees system which existed up until now was a bit of a joke. The government were subsidising education costs for rich and poor as long as you were an Irish or EU citizen. Hopefully it will make those who do pay for college appreciate that bit more and help raise the expectations we place on our colleges in terms of quality of lecturing and facilities.


  • #8
    TGi666
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭TGi666


    anyone have an idea what the fee is going to be?
    €1,500 is steep enough for me as it is


  • #9
    Bébhinn91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭Bébhinn91


    TGi666 wrote: »
    €1,500 is steep enough for me as it is

    Yeah Its going to cripple me and my family, I mean Jesus we cant even afford a car ffs.
    I would rather if they introduced fees, means tested them, those who couldn't afford it, should have their fees deferred and paid off as a student loan and those who can should have to pay(maybe in installments)
    The Govmt. should also close tax loopholes, I mean look at "St. Bono" who doesn't pay tax!:eek:


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