David Norris (Independent)

I do not mind interruptions. On the question of students and free fees, "free fees" is an ugly dishonest phrase. It was dishonest on the part of the previous coalition with the Labour Party when it was introduced. There is no such thing. It is an oxymoron. Either education is free or one pays fees. I pointed that out years ago to students. I knew registration fees would go up. They were then a couple of hundred euro, now they have climbed. If people have a conscience and put the interests of the community and the welfare of the people above the preservation of the institution, and if they accept that as a principle, then they would see that what is necessary is that they are going to have to have fees. What they should be fighting for is the level of the means test to ensure the small assets that are available are directed at those who most need them. It is a regrettable situation. I am in favour of a proper universal free education system. I am also fully in favour of a totally free universal medical system but I know we cannot have them in the current situation, in which case if one has any human decency at all, one would ensure the most vulnerable are looked after, which is what I would call for.