Student leaders in Cork have claimed a victory for third level students across the country after forcing University College Cork (UCC) to scrap controversial plans for a €200 hike in the student capitation fee. It prompted calls from the president of UCC Students’ Union (UCCSU) for an overhaul of the university sector’s decision-making processes to ensure such a scenario can’t happen again. This is despite any increases to the capitation fee requiring the consent of the student body through a referendum. While an increase in capitation fee was applied to first year students in September, this has now been withdrawn. UCC said it hopes to continue "its engagement with its students" to ensure the essential student services are provided for the entire student body.

Source: Irish Examiner November 19, 2019 16:11 UTC