Students to march against re-introduction of fees

Around 20,000 students are expected to march in Dublin tomorrow against the possible reintroduction of third-level fees.

The national mass demonstration will begin at the Garden of Remembrance and travel to Leinster House where a rally will be addressed by a number of speakers.

Shane Kelly, Union of Students of Ireland president, said fees could dissuade people who have lost their jobs in the downturn from going back to education.

“Surely at a time of economic depression, we need to ensure that those who find themselves unlucky enough to loose their job, can find retraining and up skill, Mr Kelly said.

“The only route to do that is through providing access to education and the reintroduction of third level fees would make it practically impossible for those who need the access the most.”

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has raised the possibility of reintroducing fees for the better off and is expected to table proposals in April.

Mr Kelly said there needed to be greater investment in the third level sector in order for education to play a significant role in the economy.

“This is a time for getting more people into college, not less, a time for greater investment in our education system and in our society,” Mr Kelly said.

“Not only would the return of fees be a disaster for students and their families, but it would put at risk the very idea of our knowledge based economy by placing a barrier in front of those wishing to further their education.”

The protest march will begin at 1.30pm.

Speakers include the education spokespeople for the opposition parties as well as Waterford Crystal worker whose job is under threat.