Questions surround education minister Batt O'Keeffe's plans to re-introduce third-level fees following both government parties' drubbing in the local and European elections.

While O'Keeffe is under pressure to bring the issue to cabinet before the summer break to allow for the introduction of fees for the 2010/2011 academic year, there is some speculation that the issue may form part of the review of the programme for government between Fianna Fáil and the Greens.

This review will not be completed until the autumn.

The Greens have made no secret of their opposition to the reintroduction of third- level fees. A spokesman for the party said it was "opposed to the re-introduction of third level fees" and that it was not part of the programme for government.

However, he added that "we will study Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe's report to cabinet when it comes and consider a response in due course".

Fianna Fáil deputies are also unlikely to be keen on the introduction of fees, given the likely opposition to the measure from middle-class voters, who deserted the party in the elections nine days ago.

O'Keeffe's proposals on fees have been delayed on a number of occasions, most recently because of the likely political fallout ahead of the local, European and by-elections.

The minister has said he would not be targeting 'middle-income families' and that the fee package was being revised because of the extra burden placed on families by the mini-budget in April.

There is speculation that his proposal will not involve a simple reintroduction of fees, but amount instead to some form of contribution from students. However, there may be doubts as to whether this would raise sufficient money to justify the inevitable political fallout from such a move.

Although formal talks will not begin for a couple of weeks, the funding of education is certain to be an issue for discussion when Fianna Fáil and the Greens meet to review the programme for government. This will include funding of primary, secondary and third-level education, with the Greens particularly keen to secure measures that will improve equality of access.

Officials from the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Finance are finalising a small number of technical aspects of the minister's report on a form of third-level student contribution.

"It's expected that these aspects can be finalised within the next couple of weeks," a spokesperson for the department of education said.

"It's the minister's intention to circulate the report to his cabinet colleagues for their observations when it's finalised.

"It'd be inappropriate to speculate on whether the report will form part of the discussions on the review of the Agreed Programme for Government since it's the party leaders who ultimately decide the agenda for these discussions."