Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said the government’s refusal to provide clarity on student fees – and its plans to hike them by €1,000 – is a slap in the face for families across Waterford already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
He said the government’s silence shows how out of touch Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are with the pressures on ordinary households.
Speaking in the Dáil, Teachta McGuinness said:
“Students were outside the gates of Leinster House this week demanding answers. Their families are demanding answers. They want to know one simple thing: will it be €2,000 or €3,000 they have to pay come September?
“But the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and Minister after Minister are refusing to answer. It’s a poor showing when Government can’t even manage a multiple-choice question.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dodging responsibility and trying to spin this as something that only affects wealthy families. That’s nonsense. I’ve heard from Waterford parents just over the SUSI threshold now trying to fund college for two or three children. I’ve spoken to student nurses who can’t take on part-time work, and to students who’ve already paid deposits on accommodation but don’t know if they can afford the fees.
“In Waterford, many students from rural areas are being forced to commute long distances or give up on college altogether. Parents are being forced to choose which of their children gets to go to college. That is wrong.
“Sinn Féin’s proposal is clear – cancel the €1,000 hike, cut student fees, and move towards permanently abolishing them. As a first step, we are demanding a €1,500 reduction in student fees as part of a cost-of-living package this September.
“Our young people deserve certainty, support, and a real chance to build their future here.”
Teachta McGuinness criticised Waterford’s Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil TDs for voting against Sinn Féin’s proposal and failing to stand with students and families across the county.
ENDS
Conor D. McGuinness TD 