End of Leaving Cert wait for students, start of pain for parents?

Patrice Brady

The wait is finally over for the 680 Leaving Cert students in Cavan as their exam results are available from today (Wednesday, August 14) - but for their parents the hard part could be just beginning.
The cost of third level education has spiralled in recent years to €1,000 per month, new figures reveal, and, with last year’s Budget, college registration fees will cost €2,500 and will continue to rise by €250 for each of the next two years.
Ann Marie Lacey, Director of Cavan Institute said: “People that are finding third-level college too expensive are deferring their places and opting to do a foundation course at Cavan Institute, as well as working for the year.
“It just suits people better, especially those in families with two or three siblings already at college.
“Although there has been a reduction in fees to the Institute, we have noticed students looking for information about our payment plans and paying their fees in instalments.”
Ann Marie also urged students who don’t receive the result they want not to panic.
“Young people are putting pressure on themselves and there are so many different routes into a degree. What we would tell people who get in touch with us is don’t worry, we enrol until the start of term and that they should look at all their options.”
Local TD Brendan Smith said: “In view of the serious pressures on household incomes there is an absolute obligation on the Government to try and contain costs as much as possible.”