Two-tier college fee system is being sneaked in

AS a parent of two students attending UCC, our combined registration fee has spiralled from last year’s 792 to presently facing a ridiculous stinging of 1,454.

The Union of Students in Ireland president, Colm Jordan, states that registration fees have currently risen to 670 but when you take in the capitation charge as well, we arrive at the princely sum of 727. Nevertheless, Colm is absolutely correct in highlighting the fact that people with first class Leaving Certs will be forced into jobs ill-suited to their ability and aptitude because of financial constraints at home. Labour’s Joe Costello reiterates this.

We are currently experiencing a constant financial drip feeding exercise to rectify Fianna Fail’s lack of foresight and planning to maintain prosperity that they probably never envisaged they would achieve.

Increasing college registration fees by 69% and crowing from political rooftops about a 5% “donation” on maintenance grants is indicative of our Government’s crooked and devious attitude to their assumedly gullible electorate.

I challenge Minister Noel Dempsey to state if the two-tier and discriminatory college fee system that existed up until six years ago is now being sneaked or trickled back into existence with these exorbitant and unreasonable increases.

Kevin Jordan,

Prospect Farm,

Windmill Hill,

Youghal,

Co Cork.