Students protest calls for reversal of education cuts

Around 1,000 students are marching on the Dáil in Dublin today calling for cuts in the education sector to be reversed.

Some of the students protesting today. Pic via @TCDArtCurator

They are also looking for Government action on the cost of living for college goers.

The Union of Students says in the last year there has been a 10% rise in rental prices nationally, and a 17% hike in Dublin.

College registration fees have also increased and the USI wants that money to be ring-fenced for the third-level sector rather than going into central funds.

USI President Laura Harmon says cut backs and increases have forced many students to drop out of college in recent years.

She said: "We know that there is a one-in-six, non-progression rate from first year to second year and a lot of that is down to student finances.

"Student supports have been hit very hard over the last decade, and it's vital that if we are to maintain the level of access that we have, that those supports are maintained now in the upcoming budget."

Additional photos: Conor McCabe