Third-level students today staged a sit-in demonstration in Dublin to protest against the reintroduction of tuition fees.
More than 30 college-goers descended on the Department of Education’s grounds to express their opposition to any Government plans to bring back fees.
USI President Shane Kelly said imposing third-level fees would put higher education out of the reach of many people.
“The Minister has signalled his intent to heap further financial pressure on families already struggling with the cost of higher education,” he said. “The Government intends to break their pre-election promise to over 150,000 students and their families by reintroducing third level fees.
“If the Minister has his way the average cost of going to college will rise from €39,000 to almost €70,000, making higher education an unaffordable luxury for most average families.”
Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe revealed last month an expert group was examining putting fees back on the agenda.
But a spokesman for the Minister said only high-income families would be targeted if it went ahead.
Today's action was the first in a series of campaigns planned for the coming months by the Union of Students Ireland. Student leaders will gather tomorrow night outside Leinster House for an overnight "Camp-Out".
PA