Fees decision may be delayed until after elections

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has indicated that a decision on the re-introduction of third-level fees will not be made until after the local elections on June 5.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Secondary Teachers last night, Mr O'Keeffe insisted that the Government would approach the matter in a fair manner.

He also said any fees introduced for college students would be at an affordable level.

The minister said he had presented a report on the issue to the cabinet, but no timeframe had been set for a final decision.