Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)

Gabhaim buíochas le Sinn Féin as an rún seo a thabhairt. For the previous nine days or so, chaos and confusion has reigned. It has been an omnishambles of a will they, will they not? There have been three different proposals as to how putting the student contribution fee up by €1,000 might look. Fees will go up by €1,000, followed by discussions about a two-tiered model and there was then support for families with multiple children in third level. All the while, families are grappling with the thoughts of whether they will be able to afford to send their children to third level in the autumn. Students are just finishing the leaving certificate, enjoying some well-earned relaxation and are still talking about that fear of whether they will be able to accept the course they really want.

I know the Minister has said nothing has been decided yet. I know when we were on the radio last week he said that he does not want any student not included in education because there is a financial problem.

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