Smith calls on Humphreys, Conlan and O'Reilly to come clean on student fees

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Brendan Smith has called on Government TDs in Cavan-Monaghan to come clean with students about the possible re-introduction of third level fees.  Deputy Smith was referring to the national campaign launched by the Union of Students in Ireland to allow students to have their voices heard on the broken promises from this Government in relation to students' fees.

“Students from Cavan, Monaghan and across the country are outraged by the blatant u-turn from the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn and his colleagues in Fine Gael and Labour who promised during the General Election campaign that they would not re-introduce third level fees or increase the college registration fee,” said Deputy Smith.

“It was obvious from soon after they took up office that the promises Fine Gael and Labour made to students in relation to fees were a just a ploy to win votes.  They made these promises having met with officials at the Department of Finance and seen the position with the public finances. I have spoken to so many students and parents in this constituency who took these promises in full faith and now feel let down and angered by the complete change in policy from this Government.

“I am calling on the Government TDs in Cavan-Monaghan Sean Conlan, Heather Humphries and Joe O’Reilly to clearly state what their position is in relation to third level fees.  This issue affects the lives of families right across this constituency and they deserve answers.

“It’s time for the Government to stop trying to hide behind reports and to instead level with students about what they are planning in relation to fees. I am calling on them to publish their latest report into third level funding without delay.  Deputies O’Reilly, Conlan and Humphries can play a role in ensuring that their colleagues in Cabinet do not continue to ignore the very real concerns of students and their families.”

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Brendan Smith has called on Government TDs in Cavan-Monaghan to come clean with students about the possible re-introduction of third level fees.  Deputy Smith was referring to the national campaign launched by the Union of Students in Ireland to allow students to have their voices heard on the broken promises from this Government in relation to students' fees.

“Students from Cavan, Monaghan and across the country are outraged by the blatant u-turn from the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn and his colleagues in Fine Gael and Labour who promised during the General Election campaign that they would not re-introduce third level fees or increase the college registration fee,” said Deputy Smith.

“It was obvious from soon after they took up office that the promises Fine Gael and Labour made to students in relation to fees were a just a ploy to win votes.  They made these promises having met with officials at the Department of Finance and seen the position with the public finances. I have spoken to so many students and parents in this constituency who took these promises in full faith and now feel let down and angered by the complete change in policy from this Government.

“I am calling on the Government TDs in Cavan-Monaghan Sean Conlan, Heather Humphries and Joe O’Reilly to clearly state what their position is in relation to third level fees.  This issue affects the lives of families right across this constituency and they deserve answers.

“It’s time for the Government to stop trying to hide behind reports and to instead level with students about what they are planning in relation to fees. I am calling on them to publish their latest report into third level funding without delay.  Deputies O’Reilly, Conlan and Humphries can play a role in ensuring that their colleagues in Cabinet do not continue to ignore the very real concerns of students and their families.”