Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has labelled the recent decision by Government to raise college fees by €1,000 as a “suckerpunch”.
Fees had been reduced for students to €2,000 in recent years, however the Government has announced a reversal on that policy recently.
That means that many students and families are now being faced with a €3,000 bill ahead of the new academic year.
Deputy Doherty, who is also the Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson, has slammed the move ahead of a Sinn Fein motion that will be tabled in the Dail that proposes a slash of fees before their eventual abolishment.
“There is a cost-of-living crisis raging and instead of helping students and parents the government is adding fuel to the fire, Deputy Doherty said.
“Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless, sent real fear through households last Sunday when he said fees would go up by €1,000 because there was no cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.”
“This was the last thing students and their parents needed or expected to hear.”
“Promises had been made, not only in the election campaign, but in black and white in the programme for government.”
“Students and parents across the state have made decisions based on the commitment that fees would not go up.”
“This is a suckerpunch to families that have simply not planned or budgeted for an extra €1,000 for every student.”
“This will impact over 90,000 students, and for many will mean the difference between going to college or not.”
“We have the financial resources, and it makes economic sense to invest in your people.”
“The government needs to turn around and go in the opposite direction on college fees. They should be reducing fees like they promised.”
“Education is a right and should be free and available to everyone.”
