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08 Sept 2025
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08 Sept 2025
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Sinn Féin TD for Longford -Westmeath Sorca Clarke accuses government of 'abandoning our young people'
Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has said the government’s decision to hike up student fees by €1000 is outrageous and a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling to keep their heads above water with the spiralling cost of living.
Deputy Clarke added that this shameful decision is the latest example of this government abandoning our young people, and yet again highlights just how out of touch Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are with the pressures ordinary people are facing.
Read more: End of an era as Longford schools bid farewell to dedicated secretary
Teachta Clarke said:
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control, government’s decision to hike up student fees by €1,000 is absolutely outrageous and is a slap in the face for students and families who are already struggling to keep their heads above water with the spiralling cost of living.
“This latest assault on students comes only weeks after the government’s decision to erode protections for student renters – a decision that will drive student rents up even further.
“Time and time again, this government has shown it is completely out of touch with the pressures ordinary households are facing.
“With the soaring costs of groceries, petrol and diesel, gas and electricity bills, the harsh reality is that many families simply will not be able to afford these additional costs.
“Parents are telling me that they are now facing the brutal decision of choosing which of their children can go to college. This is wrong, parents should not be put in this position.
“It does not have to be this way. Sinn Féin has the backs of students and their families and will demand better for our young people.
“As a first step towards abolishing student fees, Sinn Féin are demanding a cost-of-living package in September that will reduce student fees by €1500.
“Our young people deserve a society that enables them to thrive, realise their full potential and build a future for themselves here.”
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