Education funding has proved a point of contention for Fianna Fáil and the Government.

Micheál Martin’s insisting extra funding of at least €100m for third level must be part of spending for next year.

But the Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the Cassells report which has outlined a number of options – including student loans – needs further discussion before an Oireachtas committee.

The Fianna Fáil leader says there can’t be any such delays: “This can’t be kicked down the road, this is something that we must face up to in this budget because over €600m is sought, by the Universities.

“It is imperative that we make a response to that in this budget to the order of €100m plus.”