[…]USI strongly condemns the occupation of Palestine and the current attack on the people and infrastructure of Gaza. “The student movement has historically stood at the forefront of important societal change, and we know that students are devastated at what is currently happening in Gaza. To give voice to that support, we are co-organising this weekend’s National Demonstration for Palestine and are calling on as many students as possible to join the march. “We need to keep putting pressure on the Irish government and the international community to act to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. And getting people on the […]
[…]on the Government of Ireland, the European Union and its allies to act immediately against the breaking of these fundamental international humanitarian laws. On October 9, Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, publicly showcased the disproportionate nature of the response of the state of Israel on the people of Gaza when he stated: “I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals, and we act accordingly.” This statement indicates a complete disregard for the lives of the people living under siege in Gaza, […]
[…]Ireland. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris today announced that the stipend for PhD researchers in state-funded positions will increase from €19,000 to €22,000 in January. While this increase in a step in the right directions, it falls short of the increase to €25,000 USI called for in its Pre-Budget Submission, the amount recommended in the Independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, commissioned by Minister Harris’s office. The increased amount does not even give PhD researchers, who contribute greatly to third-level institutes and Irish research in general, a payment equal to full-time […]
[…]And while there was tinkering at the edges, and some support given, this just didn’t happen today. As far as USI is concerned, that was a deliberate choice made by this Government. “There were signs today that Government heard and seen our protests. They obviously know the Student Contribution is way too high, rent is a nightmare, and the supports available aren’t enough. But they haven’t done what is needed. So, we are going back to our members, we will talk to Student Union officers and students, and decide where we need to go from here. We will absolutely be […]
[…]when they need extra help to look after their mental wellbeing. “We tell students not to struggle alone and to reach out for help when they need it, but we have to make sure that they can access that help if they do reach out and that they’re not left struggling on the bottom of a waiting list. “But we do want to emphasis to students that even though counselling services are under-resourced and sometimes there are waiting lists, campus counselling services will set aside emergency appointments for students who are in urgent need for support. So don’t let waiting lists […]
