South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey expresses anger at Minister over proposals to increase student fees

Published: 14 November, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has reacted angrily to news that a review on proposals by the Department of Employment and Learning is likely to see an increase in tuition fees and disadvantage students from low income homes.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Nearly a year ago the Assembly Education and Learning committee proposed a motion opposing any increase in student fees and, though the motion was narrowly defeated, the Minister promised to hold a review of variable fees and student finance.


"I was, then, as were many of the actual Assembly Committee, astonished to learn today that only now has the Minister written to a potential Chairperson to see if they would take the post and outlining Terms of Reference for such a review.


"The timing of the proposed rises is also extremely worrying, raising tuition fees when so many families are struggling to make ends meet in the economic downturn.


"Recently the Minister announced measures to help apprentices who have been made redundant. Now the Minister is talking about increasing tuition fees next year-does he not wonder where families will find the extra money in these difficult times?"

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