CFE Occupy the Dept. of Finance - 03/12/02

The Campaign for Free Education (CFE) today took part in an occupation of the Department of Finance on Merrion Street in protest against Government cut-backs.

The occupation was planned for today as the FF-PD Budget will be announced tomorrow. In the morning protesters occupied the Office of PD Junior Minister Tom Parlon. 12 students were involved in the occuation, seven of which are involved in the UCD Campaign for Free Education.

Paul Murphy, Auditor of SYUCD, took part in the occupation. He stated "there is a clear mood against the prospect of fees for college next year. The Students' Unions now must mount a vigourous campaign against this government and their cut-backs. If it's to really challenge this government it must have effective leadership and links must be made with Trade Union activists and community groups."