Students to mount anti-fees protest outside Dáil

Student unions from around the country are planning a protest outside the Dáil today as part of their ongoing campaign against the re-introduction of third-level fees.

Yesterday, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe presented five options to his Cabinet colleagues on how fees can be re-introduced in the coming years.

Mr O'Keeffe is believed to favour a student-loan system whereby students would effectively pay off their fees once they graduate and enter the workforce.

The Union of Students in Ireland, which is completely opposed to fees, has criticised the minister for failing to include students' views in his proposals to the Cabinet.