USI claims Govt planning fee hike

The Union of Students in Ireland has claimed that the Department of Education is planning to increase college registration fees to €1,300 from next year.

The USI said it had learned of the plans from a high-ranking official within the Department.

If true, the increase would be second hike in college registration fees in the first two years of the current Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition.

Last year, the Government increased registration fees by 69%, from €396 to €670, as part of cutbacks and stealth taxes introduced after the general election.

The move led to widespread anger among students. The USI today threatened a campaign of nationwide protests if the Government made any move to increase the fee to €1,300.