5,000 students protest at Dáil

More than 5,000 students from throughout Ireland have marched on Leinster House in Dublin to protest at the possible re-introduction of third-level fees.

The Union of Students in Ireland, which organised the demonstration, has revealed that it is considering a campaign of mass non-payment if the Government decides to reintroduce fees.

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O'Caolain, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte and Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins all joined the students outside the Dail to express their support for the protest.

The USI said any re-imposition of third-level fees would be a deterrent to people from disadvantaged backgrounds and would mean only the wealthy having access to college education.