27th August 2002

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Sinn Fein supports students direct action against cuts

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Science and Education, Seán Crowe TD has congratulated the Union of Students of Ireland (USI) on the direct action protest they carried out today outside Fianna Fáil headquarters.

``It is obvious that Minister Noel Dempsey is running scared from proper engagement with student representatives on the issue of the massive increase in capitation fees he has introduced.

``This 69% increase will make it all the more difficult for the children of the least well off to get into university. These young people and their families already face prohibitive costs in terms of accommodation, textbooks, transport and living expenses. Of the 14,000 students graduating from third level every year only 2.2% come from unskilled or semi-skilled backgrounds.

``As well as a two-tier health system this government seems committed to the development of a two-tier education system. The USI is right challenge the government on this issue and to take to the streets to picket the offices of the people responsible.

``I call again on the Minister to reverse his decision and increase the student grant to social welfare levels in order to facilitate the children of this nation in obtaining a quality third level education.''

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