Up to 40 students targeted the Green Party today as they stepped up their campaign against the possible reintroduction of fees.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) put pressure on party leader John Gormley by staging a sit-in protest at the Department of the Environment in Custom House, Dublin.
Protesters claimed the Greens secured more student and graduate votes than any other party in the general election, winning them a place in Government.
USI president Shane Kelly warned that students and their families would remember if the party continued to break its pre-election promises in the run-up to the upcoming local and European elections.
"John Gormley and the Green Party got elected to this Government on the platform that they were opposed to the re-introduction of third level fees," said Mr Kelly.
"However, since their election they have been less than convincing in their stance on this important issue.
"The reason we are here today is to remind the minister of his party's pre-election promises. We want Minister Gormley to issue a statement of intent reaffirming his commitment to these pre-election promises."
Carrying banners, dozens of students from across Dublin filled the foyer of the Government building, where they vowed to remain overnight.
Despite a heavy garda presence and no sign of Mr Gormley, Mr Kelly said the atmosphere was good and positive with no tension between the sides.
"We are not here to cause trouble or get in anybody's way and we are not asking for the world," he continued.
"We are asking the minister to keep his word and remain committed to the promises he made prior to the last general election."
The demonstration is the latest in a series of nationwide campaigns which students have staged to voice their opposition against the re-introduction of fees.
UCD's Dan O' Neill said it is also the first in a long line of direct actions which will be taken if Minister for Education Batt O'Keefe refuses demands for a fair and equitable third level education system.
The Department of Environment refused to comment on the protest, stating the subject of fees was an issue for the Department of Education.
PA