This article originally appeared in The University Times John Logue, President, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) This morning, a young man named Patrick Kelleher wrote a column for thejournal.ie on the in-betweeners. The students who don’t qualify for the grant yet can’t afford the ever-increasing Student Contribution Charge (SCC). Patrick has just completed his Leaving Cert and is currently trying to find a way to pay for the SCC, which now stands at €2,250. Both his parents are working, his mother has three jobs, and yet they still can’t gather the €5,000 necessary to send both Patrick and his […]
Union of Students in Ireland says that nationwide private student loan scheme may lead to students incurring significant debt, foster a ‘debt culture’ similar to United States and increase inequality in access to third level education The Union of Students in Ireland has learned, and it has been reported, that Bank of Ireland (BOI) intends to announce an expansion of the student loan scheme that was recently adopted by Trinity College, DCU and Mary Immaculate. The scheme is now set to launch in over twenty third level institutions around the country. USI President John Logue said: “USI acknowledges that the loan […]
UCDSU, UCD LGBT and USI gathered earlier today outside the Department of an Taoiseach for a Rainbow Wedding ceremony. The ceremony was organised to send a message to the Taoiseach – that students of Ireland want marriage equality for LGBT people. Thanks to all who volunteered and attended, including representatives from TCDSU. Photos by Conor […]
The Union of Students in Ireland has warned of a growing sense of despair among Ireland’s young people following the CSO’s announcement that 39% of 15-24 year olds are unemployed. Today’s announcement comes as statistical proof that Ireland no longer offers its youth the opportunity they deserve to become productive members of society. With increased cuts to investment in education, including savage cuts to both undergraduate and postgraduate grants, the government seems determined not to improve the prospects of young people. These statistics are particularly indicative of the stark situation that many are facing if they choose not to attend […]
[…]Equality banner. Contact: UCD Students’ Union Rachel Breslin, UCDSU President Mobile: 086 3252572 Email: president@ucdsu.ie USI Ronan Costello, Media and Communications Executive, USI. Mobile: 085 1164263 Email: […]
The Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, Tom Boland, has said that the government’s decision to cut postgraduate maintenance grants was ‘inconsistent with the national skills policy’. Speaking at Students’ Union Training in Athlone IT, Mr. Boland said the HEA did not advise the Minister for Education on the issue of postgraduate grant cuts, but in his personal opinion the decision seemed at odds with the stated policy of the government to develop a smart economy. Mr. Boland’s statement came in response to a question from the President of GMIT Students’ Union Joe O’Connor. O’Connor said that before the […]
[…]Times: HEA Chief Tom Boland, Monday July 16th, 17:15 – 18:00 Mary O’Rourke, Tuesday July 17th, 14:45 – 15:15 and 16:45 – 17:15 Mary Davis, Wednesday July 18th, 18:00 – 19:00 USI President John Logue said: “We are delighted that Athlone IT has agreed to host our annual training week. Its location in the heart of the midlands is ideal for student representatives from across the island to gather and prepare for the year ahead. Students’ Union Training is a unique opportunity for representatives to come together and share ideas, ahead of what will inevitably be a difficult year for Irish […]
The Union has elected its new Officer Board for 2012-2013. The elections committee has certified the following results for officers who will take office on July 1, 2012. President John Logue Member Union when first elected: University College, Dublin Students’ Union president@usi.ie Deputy President and Campaigns Officer Kate Acheson Member Union when first elected: Institute of Technology, Carlow Students’ Union kate.acheson@usi.ie Vice President for Equality and Citizenship Laura Harmon Member College when first elected: University College Cork Students’ Union laura.harmon@usi.ie Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Cat O’Driscoll Member Union when first elected: University College Cork Students’ Union cat.odriscoll@usi.ie Vice President […]
