The new Minister for Education had severely damaged his relationship with students by introducing an increase of almost 70 per cent in the capitation charge, student leaders have said.
"We were very much looking forward to working with Minister Dempsey, but as one of his first acts as Minister he has been responsible for the single biggest increase in fees ever", said Mr Colm Jordan, president of the Union of Students in Ireland. "To have the capitation fee increased by 60-odd per cent is very upsetting."
The Higher Education Authority's report on charges for student services had stated that the capitation fee should not be increased without consultation with students, Mr Jordan said, yet the Minister had made his announcement without even informing USI.
"We were hoping for a change in attitude and that students' views would be taken on board. What we have seen here is a lack of consultation and a lack of trust," he added.
Mr Jordan said there was a risk that the charge would keep increasing exponentially. "In 1996, when the capitation charge was introduced, it was £150. If we project this new charge into the future, are we going to see sums of €1,000, €2,000 and €3,000?"
The Minister was "trying to introduce fees by the back door", he said. "Previous ministers have criticised the USI for using this term, but unfortunately there are no other terms for this type of direct charge."
The president of the UCD students' union, Mr Aonghus Hourihane, said that while the increase in the number of students qualifying for the "top-up" grant was welcome, it was very disappointing that other students would have to pay the additional capitation charge.
