Students protest outside Dáil over possible fees re-introduction

About 10,000 students took to the streets of Dublin this afternoon to voice their opposition to the possible reintroduction of student fees.

The march proceeded from Parnell Square to the gates of Leinster House at Kildare Street, where the protestors – some carrying placards or banging drums - gathered and chanted slogans.

University presidents have been putting pressure on the Government to approve the move, but it was not part of the Budget measures announced last week.

Instead, Finance Minister Brian Cowen decided to increase the annual college registration fee by €600.

The Union of Students of Ireland - which arranged today's protest - claims that the imposition any additional costs would be a disaster for students and their families, and would put the idea of a knowledge-based economy at risk.