There needs to be an honest conversation about the rate of student contribution fees for third level education, according to the President of University College Cork.
John O'Halloran told a Cork Chamber of Commerce breakfast briefing that the current rate of €3,000 is cheaper than going to some private secondary schools
He added that the sector was also bottom of the European table when it comes to state funding for third level.
President of the University of Limerick, Kersten Mey, says the conversation around funding for higher education isn't just about student fees.
"If you look at the student fees, it depends on what you compare it with.
"Yes you pay more for private schools, if you compare the student contribution fees in Ireland to the student contribution in other European countries, Ireland has the highest rate of student contribution."
