STUDENTS are “footing the bill” for the Government demand for 3% pay cuts in the university sector, according to University of Limerick Students’ Union President, Pa O’Brien. Mr O’Brien has also strongly criticised the recent 67% hike in the annual registration fee that all students must pay at the beginning of every academic year.

“Except those in receipt of the maintenance grant, students will be forced to fork out at least €1500 every year from next September to come to college,” he said.

“What people probably don’t realise is that this increase just replaces the funds already lost with the 3% cut from the university sector this year. So, in principle, it leaves universities no better off than they were financially at the start of the year—a financial position, which was classified as crisis. Essentially, students are footing the bill for Government cuts.”

He added that “the money has to come from some place to fund the third level system, but this move is very misguided”.

“Applying an indiscriminate charge to all students of €1,500 a year, every year, will certainly prevent people from coming to university. I’m in no doubt that many students will not be able to return next year. They may have to run up huge debts, and that’s if the banks are even prepared to lend to them in the current economic climate.”

Mr O’Brien also expressed concern that the increase in registration fee is only “the interim solution according to Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe who has been mandated by the Cabinet to bring forward proposals on third level tuition fees”.

“The future of the ‘Free Fees Initiative’ introduced in the 1995/96 academic year remains in jeopardy.”