THE GOVERNMENT IS reported to be considering a graduate tax as a way to pay for students attending third-level education.

According to today’s Irish Independent, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is considering a system which would see college fees effectively scrapped with the costs of college paid for by the State. Graduates would then pay back the costs over a period of around 15 years.

Proponents of the current system say third-level education should remain free, but opponents say that the bill for third-level education is rising and someone has to pay.

So we’re asking: is a graduate tax a good idea?

Poll Results:

No - the current system is fine (1037)

No - but there needs to be some kind of change to the current system (870)

Yes (657)

Not sure (642)

Yes
No - the current system is fine
No - but there needs to be some kind of change to the current system
Not sure

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Poll: Is a graduate tax a good idea?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.