Opposition attacks move to bring back third-level fees

THE threat of the return of third-level fees came under fire from opposition parties yesterday.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey is believed to have fended off attempts by the Department of Finance to reintroduce college fees in light of the worsening public finances. But the issue is still on the agenda as the Government attempts to make up for the shortfalls caused by the drop in revenue.

Fine Gael and Labour said they were opposed to the move, as it would place financial hardships on thousands of students. Third-level fees were abolished in 1996 by then Education Minister Niamh Bhreathnach.