Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Thousands of students and their families are marching to Leinster House today. Those students are deeply concerned about their future, about the Government's plans, its commitments and promises. They need answers and they need clarity. In advance of the general election the Tánaiste and his party made many commitments. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, brazenly went to Trinity College, four days before the election, to sign the USI pledge on fees, as did the Tánaiste. During the election campaign the Minister, Deputy Quinn, promised to reverse the €500 increase in the student services charge. The Labour Party was opposed, he said, to third level fees either by the front or back door.

The increase in the student contribution charge has not been reversed; in fact, the Minister will not even say whether or not it will be increased. To do so would be an act of deep cynicism by the Government.

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