A Green party TD has said he "simply won't stand for" massive cuts to education or the effective re-introduction of college fees "by stealth".
Reports today suggested that the current third-level registration fees of €1,500 per year may be doubled.
The Taoiseach has admitted third level funding is under discussion, but has denied there are tensions with the Green Party over the issue.
However, the party's Paul Gogarty said: "We believe the €3,000 figure is well in excess of what any hard-working parent can afford," he said, adding the wider issue "is about…the education budget being slashed and burned, and I for one won't be standing for it."