Re-introduction of third level fees ruled out

It appears that the Education Minister Noel Dempsey has taken a u-turn on his plans for the re-introduction of third level fees.

The Minister has announced a package of proposals designed to diffuse the row over access for disadvantaged students into third level education.

A package of grants totalling €42m is to be introduced this Autumn to encourage students from less well off families to enter third level institutions.

Minister Dempsey says he is hopeful that the package will make a difference to disadvantaged students.