Third-level students held a symbolic funeral procession through the streets of the capital today at what they warned would be "the death of education" in next month’s budget.
The march was organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) as part of its wider campaign against an anticipated hike in student fees in the Budget.
At the front of procession, from the Department of Education on Marlborough Street to Leinster House, students dressed in funeral attire and carrying a large banner emblazoned with the words “RIP The Death of Education 1922 – 2011” walked behind a hearse.
When the rally reached Kildare Street several protesters removed a coffin from the hearse before carrying it on their shoulders to the gates of Leinster House.
In his speech at the rally, USI president Gary Redmond told protesters any further increases in student fees or cuts in student supports would be a "death sentence for education" and severely undermine the country’s economic recovery.
"Every single cent spent on education is an investment in economic recovery and an investment in Ireland’s future."
"The same families that have to pay college fees are the same families who are struggling to pay mortgages, keep food on the table and keep the lights on.”
Mr Redmond said planned cutbacks in education would directly lead to students being forced out of education and into the dole queues.
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn again declined to comment on “any specific proposals” under consideration as part of the Government's budgetary deliberations.
However, he said the Government had to take hard decisions about what the country needed most in the next few years and reduce spending or defer projects until resources become available.
“The day when an Irish Government can again make decisions to improve education funding can come about only if we take the difficult and painful decisions needed over the next few years,” he said.
A spokeswoman said Mr Quinn was considering the findings of a Higher Education Authority report into the sustainability of the existing funding framework.
Yesterday’s demonstration followed last week’s “Stop Fees” protest march which saw up to 20,000 students march on Government Buildings.
