U-turn on college fees ruled out

BERTIE AHERN and Mary Harney yesterday ruled out the introduction of college fees in the lifetime of the Government.

This follows a major backlash against the idea floated by Education Minister Noel Dempsey, who said any funds would be used to increase access to education for students from poorer backgrounds.

The coalition leaders also ruled out any attempt to abandon the special savings scheme or to interfere with the children's allowance.