Labour Youth Chairperson Ciarán Garrett today addressed the conference of the Union of Students in Ireland, arguing in favour of fully exchequer-funded education. Garrett also welcomed today’s publishing of the Nevin Economic Research Institute paper, “We Need to Talk about Higher Education”, which calls for increasing public funding in order to create a more level playing pitch for all.

Garrett commented, “We must remember that the arguments against exchequer funding are purely ideological and not grounded in the long-term interest of our society and our economy. Labour Youth absolutely rejects the return of fees or the introduction of a ‘graduate tax’ as these measures will only ensure that once again, higher education becomes an elite commodity only available to an exclusive few. Our goal must always be to ensure equal access to education.”

Garrett went on to say, “The funding of Higher Education has to be part of a broader debate on our need for quality public services funded by proper progressive taxation. Those who advocate treating Higher Education like a mere product to be sold are missing out on what really makes the most economic sense for us all. A well-educated workforce drawn from all social backgrounds and walks of life is the best possible means of ensuring economic development and social cohesion for generations to come.”

Garrett concluded, “Every barrier put up against entry to Higher Education, whether through immediate fees or future student debt, is just as much a barrier against the kind of fair, dynamic, economically vibrant Ireland we can create through responsible public investment in education.”