Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

He was the spokesperson on education for the Labour Party in Opposition. He did not in any way qualify what he stated at that time but promised the sun, moon and stars. He said it would be no problem under the Labour Party. He told students that if he were Minister for Education and Skills, not only would there be no increase in student registration fees but he would undo the increases that had already occurred. Yet now, in government, he has the audacity to come into the Chamber and say the paper he signed counted for nothing. He did not tell that to the students before the election; he promised them whatever it would take in order for him to get their vote. What the Minister should do now is to stand by his own principles. As Minister for Education and Skills, he should stick to his promises and not increase the registration fee this year.

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