Quinn accused of reneging on fees promises

Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, has been accused again of betraying promises to keep down student fees after confirming a likely rise to €3,000 a year.

He told students at the University of Limerick on Thursday that during the lifetime of the Government there would be further increases in the contribution charged for third-level students, beyond the €2,250 fee coming into effect next autumn.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said the increase to €3,000 that he suggests is likely would mean a 50% rise since he took office a year ago, despite promises by him as Labour Party education spokesperson.