Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)

At least they have certainty. They know what they are budgeting for.

I would also like to mention the pressure on parents now and that households, because of this decision, will struggle to cope. I have parents contacting my office in desperation as they are already paying massive living and grocery costs and are now facing into this payment in September. Students who also work full time are trying their best to meet this cost but for many, this simply will not be possible. What happens then? Do we just cast these young people aside and hope Australia or Canada will offer better opportunities? The Minister says that no decision has been made yet he clearly stated that the fees will revert back up, which means they will go back up to €3,000. That is a decision the Minister made and he said it quite clearly.

The decisions can be made. It does not have to be this way. We need to have the backs of students and their families. We will demand better for our young people. The Minister says he will too, but he is not giving them certainty. The Minister is not giving them any hope. The Minister speaks of the future. It has been said previously that fees will be reduced or fees will be abolished, and they have not yet been.

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