Angry students warn Government against doubling third-level registration fees

STUDENTS issued a strong warning to the Government on college registration fees in the first of a series of regional protests yesterday.

Approximately 4,000 people turned out on the streets of Limerick to voice their anger at reports that the Department of Education is considering almost doubling the fee to €1,300. Education Minister Noel Dempsey sparked outrage last year when he increased the charge by 69%, from €396 to €670.

Student union leaders claimed last week to have been told another major hike was planned, bringing out a strong contingent from all four of Limerick’s third level institutions.