Batt O’Keefe opposed at Trinity over Education Cuts

The recent visit to Trinity College by Minister for Education in the 26 counties Batt O'Keefe was opposed by students within the college.

150 students turned out, including Sinn Féin and Ógra activists to tell the minister that his plans to re-introduce third level students fees were not welcome in spite of draconian security measures that saw some students that had turned out to protest from other colleges around the city ejected from campus by college security.



Trinity Uí Chadhain/ Tone cumann secretary Seamus Donnelly said,

“The under investment in all levels of education and in particular the third level sector during the boom years has left the sector badly exposed now during the bust. The under spend is now affecting students directly with numerous college departments reportedly being asked to make cut backs of up to 5 %.”

“Students should not be made to pay for the government's incompetence. The message that education is a right must be given to government ministers and indeed to backbench TDs in their constituencies.”

“Last Thursday Trinity students and members of the Uí Chadhain/Tone cumann gave the minister the welcome he deserved. The arrogant response of this government and the minister in particular following the budget (where college registration fees rose to €1500) should be remembered by the electorate when they next cast their ballot.”