Students are planning a demonstration outside the Dail today to protest against third-level registration fees.

The annual charge was increased from €900 to €1,500 in last October's budget.

There is speculation that another hike is being planned this December following the Green Party's success in getting the Government to drop the planned re-introduction of tuition fees.

However, the Union of Students in Ireland says the registration fee is already too expensive and claims some students are being forced to drop out of college because they cannot afford to pay it.

The USI also says the money raised from the fee is supposed to be spent on student services, but is actually being diverted into other areas while student services are being closed down.