Thousands of students took part in a major demonstration in Dublin today.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) organised the event to call for publicly funded higher level education.
The body, which represents nearly 400,000 students across the country, wants greater investment in the area.
"Heeeey, hey Leo. I wanna knoooow if you'll pay my fees" pic.twitter.com/PITPdIvZDz
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 4, 2017
USI President Michael Kerrigan says the demonstration aims to send a strong message to the Government.
"We're well aware that there's no bottomless pit, this is something we're not asking for.
"It's something we're looking for over time between now and 2030 - that the student contribution fee is reduced.
"Since 2008 it has risen 375% - there's no fee in the country that has gone up that much in the last decade.
"We're looking for it to be reduced to the same rate that it was increased, and to have publicly-funded education by 2030."
Organisers estimate there's 20,000 students protesting in Dublin this afternoon pic.twitter.com/49LQRuT9SM
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 4, 2017
