Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Éamon Ó Cuív has called on the Government TDs in Galway West to come clean with students about the re-introduction of third level fees. Deputy Ó Cuív has praised the Union of Students in Ireland for their new campaign allowing students to have their voices heard on the broken promises from this Government in relation to students' fees.
“Galway Students are justifiably 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 Ó Cuív.
“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 across Galway who took these promises in good 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 my own constituency of Galway West Derek Nolan, Seán Kyne and Brian Walsh to clearly state what their position is in relation to third level fees. This issue affects families right across Galway 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 Nolan, Kyne and Walsh 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.”
