Department insists no decision made on third-level fees

THE Department of Education has insisted no decision to introduce college fees has been made – despite claims by student representatives that colleges have been told to advise incoming students they could have to pay for their education from next year.

In a letter from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), state-funded third level institutions have been asked to make new students aware during the coming academic year that they would be liable for a new form of charge in the second year of their studies in the event of a future Government decision to introduce a new form of student contribution from 2010.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said the letter suggests Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has already made up his mind to reintroduce fees without hearing the views of the cabinet on the matter. He has asked other ministers to give their response by September 15 to the various options on a student contribution which he provided in a report to them last month.