Students take their protests to the streets

THOUSANDS of students brought their concern over funding of third level education to the streets in the first of a series of protests around the country yesterday.

Limerick and Tralee were brought to a standstill as student leaders rallied college-goers to demonstrate against low grants, the reintroduction of fees, the lack of medical cards and other financial concerns.

The demonstrations followed the occupation of the Department of Education boardroom in Dublin by seven students two weeks ago in response to Minister Noel Dempsey's suggestion that third level fees might be brought back.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick Students Union president Mike Quinn said recent governments have shown little interest in opening the door for more people to education.

"Minister Dempsey may speak of a downturn in the economy, but even when the budget surplus could be measured in billions of euros, grant increases were barely kept in line with inflation," he said.

The minister is considering the reintroduction of fees of up to 3,000 for students who can afford to pay.

A decision is not expected until the end of the year, but the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Mary Harney have said fees would not be introduced.

President of Institute of Technology Tralee Students Union John Vahey addressed around 500 students in the town centre after they marched from the institute of technology, which has 3,500 full and part-time students.

Union chiefs said the protests were planned well before the notion of reintroducing fees was mooted by Minister Dempsey last month.

"Too many students are in dire financial straits over the increased registration fee and having to rent in the black market for any celebration," said Union of Students in Ireland president Colm Jordan.

He said students' main demands were for a better grant for more students, removal of the euro 670 registration fee, the return of a medical card to students and more student-purpose accommodation.

A survey on the USI website www.usi.ie shows 93% support for more accommodation on college campuses. A petition to the Government has been opened on the site, where students and their families can urge support for better conditions for those attending third level.