Opposition parties have accused the Government of sending conflciting signals and of "kite flying" on the issue of third-level fees.
Labour's education spokesman, Mr Joe Costello, claimed the Government was "all over the place" on the issue.
He said that the conflicting signals coming from various Government sources were contributing to a growing concern and unease among students and parents throughout the country.
Ms Olwyn Enright, Fine Gael spokesperson on education, accused the Government of taking the public for fools and making a mockery of the notion of collective Cabinet responsibility.
"It is extraordinary that Minister Dempsey has openly attacked USI for their opposition to the reintroduction of third-level fees, but not members of his Government, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, who share the union's opinion on the matter."