Time for a hike in NI student fees? @FergalMcFerran and @basilmccrea discuss. #BBCNolan

So, are higher tuition fees on the cards for students here? The Higher Education Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has told the Irish News he wants a 'conversation' about higher education funding, saying the sector is underfunded compared to England. Tuition fees for the next two years here will be £3,805 and £3,925 per annum. In England, universities can charge students up to £9,000 a year.

So have are students been getting it too easy for too long? Or would a big hike in fees put higher education out of reach to poorer families.

Joining me in studio is Fergal McFerran, president of the National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland and MLA Basil McCrea, former chair of the Assembly's Employment and Learning committee.