Scuffles broke out at the end of a mass student demonstration over Government plans to hike registration fees.

A group of activists clashed with gardai in riot gear after they occupied the lobby of the Department of Finance in Dublin city centre.

A handful were left with cuts and bloodied heads as officers moved in to eject the group from the building while scores staged a sit-down protest outside.

An army of students had earlier taken to the streets of the capital, with up to 20,000 members of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) protesting over possible Budget cuts.

USI President, Gary Redmond, distanced the union from any trouble following the protest.

“It was nothing to do with us it was interest groups, one which was in the news already this week,” he said.

“We had a carnival atmosphere. Everyone was in good spirit.”

More than 200 buses carried students from college campuses nationwide to the USI march against further increases to the registration fee in Budget 2011.

Gardaí confirmed a small number of arrests were made during the day, but commended the majority who marched peacefully from Parnell Square to Merrion Square and demonstrated in a dignified manner.

A spokesman said up to 50 students who had occupied the Department of Finance were ejected, with missiles, bottles and sticks later thrown at gardaí.

Mr Redmond said the USI was saddened by the actions of a small minority of people, who he claimed were from various left wing organisations and attempted to hijack the peaceful demonstration and staged a sit-in protest at the Department of Finance.

“Students travelled from around the country to the demonstration, which was a brilliant success for USI and the students of Ireland,” he added.

Campaigners were angered at possible Government plans to almost double registration fees.

They also voiced their opposition to additional cuts to the student maintenance grant and raised concerns about ongoing graduate unemployment and the emigration crisis.

One group of students from Limerick dressed as pallbearers carried a coffin which read 'The death of Irish education'.

Earlier Taoiseach Brian Cowen refused to be drawn on whether third-level fees would be introduced or increased in the forthcoming Budget.

But Education Minister Mary Coughlan yesterday warned there will have to be a cut in her department’s expenditure.

Mr Redmond said the huge turn out was a testament to the level of fear of further hikes in registration fees.

“The Government has been told loud and clear if they continue to slash and burn in education they will feel the pain at the ballot box,” he said.

“Students, who are the taxpayers of the future, will end up paying for the bank bail out. All we want is a fighting chance.”