Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay, that is fair enough. He also said that he regrets the student having to leave. Let me just quote another section from his e-mail:

I was one of the first to apply to the system in June and despite sending back documents as early as possible, I still await an answer. My dream is over. My goal of education and self-improvement is over. My life of poverty, as it has been for the last few weeks, is just not a viable option any more.

It is not fair to say that this is his choice. This is clearly a person who wants to stay here.

He wants to be educated and to contribute to this State and the people of this island.

This issue should be seen in the context of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, signing the USI pledge during the election to oppose and campaign against any new form of third level fees. Within nine months, the registration charge was hiked by €250 and it is now set to increase further. It is not a surprise that we have this mess.

See this speech in context