Colleges 'need more overseas students'

An Institute of Technology president is calling on the Government to internationalise Ireland's higher education system.

Athlone IT's Ciaran O'Cathain said much of the Budget's education cutbacks could have been avoided had steps been taken earlier to attract students from abroad.

It follows protests in Dublin this week, as students voiced their opposition to the increase in college registration fees.

Mr O'Cathain says an increase in international students would provide much needed revenue.