FERRIS HIGHLY CRITICAL OF HUNT REPORT FINDINGS
Issued : Wednesday 12 January, 2011
Labour’s General Election Candidate has expressed concern with the findings of the Hunt Report set up to develop a National Strategy for Higher Education and said the recommendation to re-introduce third-level fees would be a blow to many families.
“I am very concerned at the proposal contained in the Hunt Report to re-introduce third-level fees as this will have a serious impact on people with low incomes”, said Labour’s Anne Ferris.
“The Labour Party has always stated that our education system should be based on merit, not means. The re-introduction of third-level fees will act as a barrier for ordinary people to access higher education. This is another example of Government mis-management and a failure to invest adequately in education.
“We are calling on the Government to look at alternative sources of funding, based on income tax. Those in Fine Gael may advocate a system of deferred payment, but such a system places a burden of debt on young people, at a time when graduates are looking to get onto the property ladder and get a head start in life.
“Those who can afford to contribute more to the tax net have an obligation to do so. The Labour Party is committed to the maintenance of universal education, as introduced by Labour's former Minister for Education, Niamh Bhreathnach”, she concluded.
