Fees decision due before Leaving Cert, says Taoiseach

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has told the Dáil that the Government hopes to reach a decision on the proposed re-introduction of third-level fees before the Leaving Cert begins next month.

Mr Ahern, however, repeated the Government's line that no decision will be made until a review of the issue is complete.

Opposition parties have predicted that Fianna Fáil will have to climb down from its position on college fees due to widespread opposition to their re-introduction within the party and within the coalition partners Progressive Democrats.