Minister proposes reintroducing education fees

The Education Minister, Noel Dempsey, has confirmed he proposes reintroducing third-level education fees as early as this October.

The confirmation is bound to cause confrontation within the Government where the Progressive Democrats are opposed to the move and Fianna Fail backbenchers are split on the issue.

Mr Dempsey said: "I am going to bring the matter to finality within two to three weeks so that it can be implemented from October."

Bertie Ahern told the Dail today that people on moderate or high incomes will not be affected.

But Mr Dempsey said the decision has yet to be made where the threshold lies.

Mr Dempsey did not make it clear if students already in college will have to pay fees but did not rule it out.