Student army takes to streets in fees protest

An army of angry students marched through the streets of Dublin today in a bid to keep college education free.

Around 15,000 people joined forces for a national demonstration against the possible reintroduction of third-level fees.

Led by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), protectors marched from the Garden of Remembrance to Leinster House where they staged a rally.

Mike Jennings of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT), Waterford Crystal workers, and education spokespeople for the opposition parties, were among the speakers who addressed the emotional crowd.

Shane Kelly, USI president, said the support showed that college lecturers and people at risk of loosing their jobs were against fees.

“Those engaged in industrial action in Waterford at the moment spoke about how much more difficult it would be for them to be retrained, reskilled or take new educational avenues if fees were to be brought back,” he added.

“It’s very important that people understand that this is not just about students, it’s about wider society, our neighbours, people loosing their jobs in Waterford and Dell and other places.

“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 the turnout was expected. “It was a very emotive protest and the students are very passionate,” he added.

“I don’t think there’s any way of avoiding it. Everyone is exercised by the notion that the minister would want to reintroduce third levels fees.”

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

Labour MEP Proinsias De Rossa told protestors education is an investment in society and economy that pays off massively. “It must form the basis for Ireland and Europe’s plan to get us out of this recession,” he said.

“Hitting the poorest students from low and middle income families will not solve the funding gap. We must look at our EU neighbours, look at which systems are successful and inclusive and develop a long-term public financing policy for third level so that our education system can better perform its numerous roles in our economy and society.”

Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty said Budget 2009 was a black day for Ireland’s education system.

“Primary school class sizes increased, school transport costs nearly doubled, youth supports for pupils from disadvantaged areas were reduced, adult education grants were also cut, as was investment in information technology, supports for summer courses in Irish colleges were reduced and the student registration fees were increased,” he said.

“All of this is set against a background of job losses and increased taxation for working families.

“The reintroduction of third level fees, as mooted by Minister O’Keeffe for some time now, will act as the final nail in the coffin of free education.”