Students furious as Government delays fees announcement

THE Government has delayed an announcement on third-level fees promised for this week, angering students.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey is awaiting the outcome of a review of student support before making any decision. Despite ongoing delays, he said an announcement would be made by Easter on arrangements for next autumn, to allow grant application forms to be drawn up. However, sources have indicated that no such announcement is likely either this week, or next week when Mr Dempsey will be attending teacher union conferences.

The Union of Students in Ireland said it understood the decision has been put back again, while other sources said the issue is still a long way from being finalised.