Green ‘U-turn’ on fees sparks student protest

STUDENTS angered by the Green Party’s alleged refusal to block a return to third level tuition fees staged a sit-in protest at Environment Minister and party leader John Gormley’s department offices in Dublin yesterday.

A group of about 30 students entered the building at midday and engaged in a peaceful sit-down in the main lobby of the Custom House building.

Union of Students in Ireland (USI) president Shane Kelly said the minister has refused to rule out the reintroduction of third level fees, which is currently under consideration by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe.