The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has not warned or signalled that third level fees are on the way back and the Government has no plans to re-introduce such fees.
Labour councillor Niall McNelis has welcomed the statements by Minister Quinn. However, Cllr McNelis said the Minister does acknowledge that a sustainable method of funding third level must be found to meet university and college funding needs in the face of rising enrolments and greater demands.
To this end, the Minister asked the Higher Education Authority earlier this year to report back to him in the autumn on the options available to put third level on a sustainable footing
“Many families in Galway are struggling and the costs of going back to school bring further stress,” said Cllr McNelis. “Families that never sought help before now need a helping hand.
