Small protest over fees at TCD

There will be on-going protests and demonstrations against the re-introduction of third level fees until the Government withdrew the threat of higher education fees, the Deputy President of the Union of Students in Ireland has said.

Dave Curran was speaking at a “small, symbolic” protest outside Trinity College, Dublin this morning. The protest comprised about six students, standing side-by-side, before the door at the front gate area which was closed for about five minutes, the duration of the protest.

They were holding placards spelling out: "Don't lock us out of college. No fees".

"This a small protest but it's intended as symbolic. We are standing here outside Trinity, the main entrance is closed we're saying if fees are re-introduced it will have the effect of closing college to many people, especially from lower-income families.

Re-introducing fees would be a drastic retrograde step. We need to encourage more people into third level and to expand education as a central part of a knowledge economy."

He said the Government was "just looking around at anywhere they can save money" and third level fees were an easy target. Such a move would however be short-sighted.

"Education is so important to expand people's opportunities."

It was already hugely economically burdensome to be at college even without fees, he continued. Studies had shown it cost €38,000 to complete a four-year degree. "That's taking in rent, books, bills - just the cost of living. To slap fees on top of that - about €30,000, well if you have four kids in one family, fees would make it impossible for many."

There were other areas the Government should be examining to make savings. "There is huge waste and overspend. They need to end waste and overspend, not free third level education."