The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, that third level tuition fees will not be reintroduced.

However, USI is concerned that attempts may be made by the Government to introduce third level fees through the back door, in the guise of increased registration fees.

The registration fee has already risen by 780 percent since its inception and any further increases will only make third level education inaccessible for thousands of people around the country.

USI is opposed to college fees, in any form, including inflated registration fees, or graduate taxes. The core mantra of the organisation is to strive for an educational system that is free and accessible to all.

Gary Redmond, USI President, said:

“USI welcomes the renewed commitment by the Tánaiste today that the Government will abide by the renewed Programme for Government that the issue of third level fees is off the table for the lifetime of this Government. USI believes that access to education and upskilling is the key component to future economic growth, prosperity and crucially; job creation and retention.

However, USI is gravely concerned that third level fees may be reintroduced by stealth by means of increasing the students services charge which has already increased 780 per cent since Fianna Fáil took office in 1997 from €190 to its current level of €1,500.

Despite persistent calls by USI to the Tánaiste to rule out any further increase to the student services charge, the Tánaiste has, so far, refused to do so. Further increases of student services charge will place entering and staying in third level beyond the reach of many families.”