FG calls for Dempsey apology

Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Tom Hayes today called on Education Minister Noel Dempsey to apologise to the nation for his handling of the third level fees debate.

"Now that third level fees are finally off the agenda, Minister Dempsey should extend a public apology to the thousands of second and third level students and their parents who have been so distressed in recent weeks.

"He acted irresponsibly by flying a kite about third level financing just two weeks before the leaving certificate, and while current third-level students sit exams.

"Not only did he add to the anxiety of parents and students at a time of already heightened stress, the Minister has also shown how much the Government is in disarray," claimed Deputy Hayes.