We oppose these iniquitous college fees
The current fee stands at a minimum of €670, with the budget forecasting an increase of €80 for this year alone. This represents an approximate increase of 90% over two years. In UCC’s case, with various levies having been added on in the recent past, the fee will be in the region of €800 for the forthcoming academic year. Meanwhile, the maintenance grant, which is available to only less than a quarter of the student population, will increase by a risible 2%.
This fee forces students to incur significant debt, obliging them to take up part-time employment during the academic year. The culmination of these factors results in increasing student poverty, higher drop-out rates and lower educational attainments.
Since the fee is a fixed, non means-tested charge, it disproportionately affects students from lower income groups.
Government policy is that education should be adequately funded and accessible in order to ensure a fair society and competitive economy. They should put this policy into practice by abolishing the registration fee.
We request that all elected representatives represent our concerns to the Minister for Education, and communicate to us their feelings on the issue of college fees at the address below.
Frank Milling
President, Students’ Union
University College
Cork
email: SUPresident@ucc.ie
website: http://su.ucc.ie
