Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin advocated for a €500 decrease this year, but instead of that the Minister has increased it. I want him to recognise that fact and let people know that fees have increased by €500 this year. He should not fool people. They are not silly and recognise what is happening. I am a parent and I realise, like everybody else, that fees have gone up. The Minister can provide big figures like €628 million, but people are paying their taxes towards that. The Government has to recognise that. People are paying their taxes towards this, but have to pay additional costs every year for education. Education in this country is not free.

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