The Union of Students in Ireland has welcomed the positive impact of gender quotas in the 2016 General Election and said it has achieved progress in gender balance in politics. The number of female TDs has increased dramatically since 2011 by 47% and USI said using gender quotas is the fastest way to achieve gender balance in politics. “The new 32nd Dáil has the highest ever number of female TDs – 22%, up from 15%, an increase of 47%.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said, “But it also means that almost 4 in 5 politicians are still male. While there […]
[…]Award, Gaisce Awards are also recognised internationally. Since its inception in 1985, over 370,000 young people have participated in the Gaisce programme. Today, more than 25,000 young people register for the Gaisce challenge each year, pursuing the award through more than 850 organisations (Gaisce Award Partners) located right across the country. In any one year, Gaisce supports these organisations and the more than 1,200 President Award Leaders (PALs) working and volunteering in them to mentor young people through their Gaisce journey. Gaisce celebrates the individuality of each participant and ensures while there are many pathways to achieving a Gaisce Award, […]
[…]student numbers and accommodation.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said. “This is the second consecutive Fine Gael-led government and we still don’t have clarity on the plan for higher education in Ireland. There’s a lack of commitment and certainty around funding and it reflects how the government doesn’t prioritise higher education. “The lack of vision, action and investment isn’t just counteractive and damaging for students. Institutions, staff unions, teachers unions, stakeholders and student bodies have a range of concerns that aren’t reformed or improved such as pay, working conditions, support and accommodation. The lack of funding and under-prioritisation in higher education […]
[…]they had worked to the point of burnout to pay for college. USI said the registration fee of €3,000, which is already the second highest in Europe, should be reduced to make college affordable for every young person who wants to progress to third level education, and to make funding college less stressful. “It’s extremely worrying that so many students are working to the point of burnout, during exams and missing lectures to pay for college.” Kevin Donoghue, President of the Union of Students in Ireland, said. “The cost of education is pushing students to breaking point. It’s unaffordable […]
