Higher charges 'may force students to drop out'

A SHARP increase in college registration charges could lead to some students failing to return for the new term, union leaders warned yesterday.

At a Dublin city centre protest against the 69% rise, student leaders demanded a meeting with Education Minister Noel Dempsey who revealed a package of changes to student support schemes and charges less than two weeks ago.

Colm Jordan, president of the Union of Students in Ireland, claimed the increase from 396 to 670 a year showed his members were being sold down the river by the Government. To illustrate his point he released 69 bright yellow ducks into the Liffey during a rally near O'Connell Bridge attended by up to 100 mainly student representatives.

The money raised by the charge goes directly to the colleges to pay for registration, exams and services. An education department official said yesterday the increased charge more closely reflects the actual cost of delivering the services.

He said that 37% of university and 47% of other post-secondary students would not have to pay the fee and said the package announced by the minister increases grants for the most disadvantaged.

But Mr Jordan said the grant increase for students from low-income families amounted to a "miserly" 3 a week, and added his members were angry at not being consulted about the package of measures. He said students had not budgeted for the increase and it would, in some cases, wipe out deposits for accommodation.

He claimed the USI had been inundated with calls and e-mails from students who fear they may not be able to return to college in September/October.

The Conference of Heads of Irish Universities also expressed surprise at the increase. "We certainly were not aware, officially or unofficially or through rumours, of these changes," said Conor O'Carroll, the organisation's assistant director of research.

Fine Gael's education spokesperson Olwyn Enright said: "The increase in registration fees ends free third level education and is effectively a reintroduction of fees." She added it was understandable students were protesting.

Minister Dempsey announced:

an increase of 5% in the maintenance grant to give a maximum grant of 2,510 euro in the 2002/03 academic year.

an increase of 7% in the income thresholds for grant eligibility.

an increase from 396 euro to 670 euro to defray the costs of registration, exams and services.

The Minister said: "The measures I have announced are a clear indication of the Government's commitment to enhancing access to third level education."

Mr Jordan disagrees: "While there is widespread anger across the board, there is deep disappointment one of Mr Dempsey's first announcements will have such a detrimental effect on so many students."