asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if it is proposed to increase third level education fees; if so, when; and the percentage increases envisaged.

: Despite the fact that the Deputy's question does not specifically refer to the Green Paper Development for Full Employment, I assume that it is being asked in this context, since the question was addressed to me and since the subject matter of the question is discussed in paragraph 7.33 of the Green Paper.

The Green Paper stresses that the high level of benefits in this area, while paid for by all taxpayers, accrue in large part to a small and relatively privileged section of the community who also enjoy the prospect, as future graduates, of relatively high earnings. It states that it would therefore seem equitable to increase the fees charged, and points out that even a doubling of fees would still leave the Exchequer financing about two-thirds of higher education expenditure.

The Green Paper makes it quite clear that the measures involving public expenditure and resources put forward in the Paper are not Government decisions but options which suggest themselves for consideration and that they will be the subject of discussion.

It is not possible, therefore, to say at this stage whether or not this particular option will be adopted, or, if it is adopted, when and by how much the fees will be increased.

: Does the Minister accept that in the Green Paper in paragraph 7.33 the phrase used is that it would be equitable to increase the fees charged? Am I to interpret from his answer that he would continue to oversee a situation where something which was inequitable would remain? Would it not be logical if he considers the present situation inequitable to set about remedying that situation by increasing the fees? If so, when and by how much?

: I would point out that the Green Paper is a discussion document and it does say that it would seem equitable. Let us have discussions on this in order to establish the extent to which this seeming view is shared.

: Is it the Minister's view that it is inequitable?

: I do not think it is appropriate to express views at this juncture.

: I agree very much with the Minister in what he says about the inequity of the apparent situation. Have his Department explored the possibility of getting from the banks or from some bank a more adventurous system of support for third level education, whereby the burden of the State would be effectively transferred, but over a very long period, to the person who is the principal recipient of the benefit, who, as the Minister rightly says, usually comes from a section of society which is already privileged?

: No such discussions have yet taken place, but I would not rule out the possibility of exploring ways in which private sector financial institutions might take a more active role if there were to be developments along these lines.