Labour leader slams coalition chaos on student fees
Labour leader slams coalition chaos on student fees - The Labour Party
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has today condemned the Government’s handling of third-level fees, accusing Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of creating chaos and confusion for students and families across Ireland. Speaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Deputy Bacik raised concerns over Minister James Lawless’s announcement about the effective increase in college fees, calling it a cynical U-turn by the Government. She confirmed that Labour will lead a protest outside Leinster House at 6pm next Tuesday demanding that the Government halt this unjustified hike.
Deputy Bacik said:
“It seems we are hurtling towards yet another U-turn from this chaotic Coalition. After flip-flops on Rent Pressure Zones and tax policy, the latest retreat involves a planned hike in college fees – revealed by Minister Lawless on national radio. The increase in student fees will hit families already struggling under the weight of rising costs, during a cost of living crisis.
“The Tánaiste’s bizarre comment this morning – that fees might go up and then come back down again in the same academic year – only adds to the confusion and uncertainty for households trying to balance budgets. Meanwhile, Fine Gael TDs are scrambling to distance themselves from a policy their own Government flagged months ago. This is not credible leadership.
“On 1st April, the Irish Times reported Minister Lawless’s intentions to cut the €1,000 rebate, effectively raising fees for students. That warning was clear. If Fine Gael are now shocked, it’s either political theatre or they weren’t paying attention. Either way, students are being let down.
“During a cost-of-living crisis, with grocery bills rising by over 5% and rents averaging more than €2,000 a month, this move will deepen inequality and limit access to education. Labour is calling for an immediate reversal of this decision.
“The Government is sitting on a €1.8 billion surplus in the National Training Fund – money that must be used for education. There is no excuse. That fund should be deployed now to keep fees low and support students.
“Labour is calling on the Government to reverse this decision without delay and to commit to fair, affordable access to third-level education for all. Join us outside the gates of Leinster House at 6pm next Tuesday, 8 July, to demand an end to this attack on students.”