Free education is a myth in Ireland, Sinn Féin claimed today. The party said it will focus on making schools and college more affordable for the least well off if given a mandate in the general election.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, outgoing Dublin South Central TD, said Sinn Féin would oppose third level fees, increase the school capitation grant and set up a book lending scheme.
"The cost of education has increased exponentially year on year with experts indicating the cost of educating a child from junior infants through to third level to be in and around €70,000," he said.
"Every September is a struggle for parents to come up with the money needed to send children back to school. Added up, the cost of books, uniforms and transport reaches into the hundreds and often thousands," he said.
Mr Ó Snodaigh said his party was committed to making free education a reality, with its plans to make the wealthier pay more towards the public purse.
Meanwhile, the Green Party has vowed to introduce gay marriage if returned to government.
Former junior minister Ciaran Cuffe said they would push for constitutional change to allow for same-sex weddings.
"In government, the Green Party introduced the civil partnerships legislation,which goes a long way to ensuring better rights for same-sex couples," he said.
"But it is not marriage, and we believe all consenting adults, should have the option to marry."
Mr Cuffe pointed out plans were under way to introduce gay marriage in Britain seven years after civil partnership legislation was enacted there.
"I hope we in Ireland don't have to wait as long to see similar legalisation introduced here," he said.
PA