Students are taking to the streets of Dublin today, calling for free publicly-funded third level education.

The Government is about to add to its woes as a student fees loan scheme proposal is set to take centre stage in a new third-level funding debate.

Education Minister Richard Bruton faces pressure from all sides as he prepares to push for more efficiencies from cash-strapped colleges in return for more funding from students, taxpayers and employers.

A new plan to introduce student loans for college students is being criticised as bringing back “full college fees through the back door”.

College fees seem an inevitable solution to the country’s third-level funding crisis, an international education expert has said.

Children as young as 13 are taking freely available drugs known as ‘legal highs’; The latest increase in third-level fees will see the cost of studying away from home top 11k; Jamil the rhino will today be unveiled as the newest attraction at Fota. Here’s this morning’s irishexaminer.com catch-up.

Farmers say the introduction of a means test for college grants that includes assets will deny access to higher education to many students from low-income farm families.

The Union of Students in Ireland has hit out at some universities for hiring debt collectors to chase down student fees.

Militant groups were tonight accused of hijacking a massive student demonstration in Dublin marred by violence.

Scuffles broke out at the end of a mass student demonstration over Government plans to hike registration fees.

Thousands of students are taking part in a protest march in Dublin to oppose plans to hike third-level fees.

Students from around the country are making their way to Dublin this morning for a major protest against any increase to university fees.

A new scheme could see students having to pay off loans of at least €21,000 for their third level fees.

Student unions from around the country are planning a protest outside the Dáil today as part of their ongoing campaign against the re-introduction of third-level fees.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has said he will be present various methods for the reintroduction of third-level fees to his cabinet colleagues next week.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is warning of the pitfalls of re-introducing third-level fees.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has said the Government is considering a number of options in relation to the reintroduction of third-level fees.

Almost 6,000 students from Munster gathered in Cork today to voice their united opposition to a re-introduction of third-level fees.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe is meeting the heads of Ireland's universities today to discuss their calls for the reintroduction of third-level fees.