[…]providers to return prepaid rents to students who cannot live in the accommodation due to public health restrictions or other COVID-19 related reasons. The Bill would also enable students to terminate contracts on accommodation they no longer need because of COVID-19 and would provide students with access to redress for rent they are having trouble getting repaid. USI is calling on Government, and all other TDs in the Dáil to support the Bill, bring it to committee stage and act on it immediately. USI Vice President for Campaigns, Craig McHugh said: “This is extremely urgent for students, they cannot wait […]
The Union of Students in Ireland is calling on Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, to change the BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) restriction to allow more single parents to progress to third level education, like Erica Fleming, a homeless mother-of-one who was offered a place in Trinity College via the Trinity Access Programme, but who was rejected for BTEA, which she needs to attend college. USI said while the SUSI grants help so many families, and the BTEA is a vital resource for mature learners, the stark truth is that any rules that allow clearly deserving people like Erica […]
[…]from member organisations all across the island. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures, this year’s SUT takes place online, but the same extensive training programme remains in place. USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to move this event online and we hope everybody is excited and will take plenty away from it. The training covers areas such as campaigning tactics, academic representation, student finance and SUSI, postgrad experiences and events in the ‘new normal’. We’re making sure that Students’ Union officers from across the country are prepared to support all students […]
[…]many wider societal challenges, in many cases resulting in negative consequences for their mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, and increased criminal activity.” In collaboration with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU), USI will be releasing a Youth Position Paper in response to the crisis currently facing young people in Ireland in the coming weeks. This will include proposals on the Youth Guarantee as well as a best practice document on the principles of good work experience. Mr O’Connor continued: “Given the scale of the difficulties, this in itself is not the […]
[…]Chris Clifford has been elected President of the Union of Students in Ireland for 2023-2024. A Health and Leisure graduate hailing from Tralee, Chris was today elected by delegates representing students and Students’ Unions from across the island of Ireland at USI’s Comhdháil. Over 250 delegates are attending the four day congress in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo. After graduating from MTU Kerry, Chris was elected Education Officer in his Students’ Union and then went on to be elected SU President and re-elected to the position last year. Chris will take up the role with USI on July 1, along with […]
