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[…]the mental health and academic output of students, and increases pressures on families already struggling with recessionary times but determined to keep their sons and daughters in third-level education. The Union of Students in Ireland, in partnership with Amárach Research, will be carrying out a survey of third-level students throughout the summer months, collecting data on the financial situation of students and their families at present and how this is impacting on their mental health. It is clear that the cashflow difficulties and financial difficulties facing the students of today have reached breaking point for many, and my USI Officerboard […]
[…]Independent 25/11/13 Students protest over third-level cutbacks RTE 01/10/13 USI News on […]
[…]that the new Student Accommodation Strategy would be published last summer – the current plan runs from 2017 to 2024, but its promises have not been implemented. That plan promised regular progress updates, but the last of those was published in Q3 of 2019. Members of the USI Coiste Gnó met with Minister Harris last Thursday, before Friday’s announcement, but were not given any concrete information on when this strategy would be published or any details on what will be delivered. USI Vice President for Campaigns, Zaid Al-Barghouthi said: “There is nothing that we can measure. There are no targets. […]
[…]Union of Students in Ireland (USI) officially launched their healthy living campaign ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ in conjunction with SpunOut.ie on IT Sligo campus today to support students in their transition to college for the academic year. “When students arrive into college, they are faced with a tight budget as a result of a cut in the grant and an increase in transport, accommodation and education overall. We aim to support students through the Eat Well, Live Well campaign by highlighting that they can cook healthy meals and a small budget and with the utensils typically found in a student […]
[…]officers lead USI – now they can communicate their thoughts, their take on events and share news about their work with members. Blogs for Committees and Administration This allows the committees of USI to communicate directly with members when it’s necessary. Forum The only closed section of the site, this section allows members of National Council (the Presidents of Students Unions) and other sabbatical officers to communicate openly with USI officers and one […]
22/03/2015 Congress is scheduled to begin at 1pm in the Hoey Suite of the […]
Targeted Cuts will be met with Targeted Voting […]
[…]remits. The USI Blog section allows officers to explore the stories and processes behind the news stories and to explain how they do their job. Note: sometimes, the blog section may deviate from the mainstream of policies for the organisation – as a result, this section is not to be taken as a canonical interpretation of the whole raft of USI’s policies. [loop category=guestblog module=b […]
[…]hopes to continue developing the project with the Irish Times to provide an online hub for student news and discussion of third level education. Student journalists and contributors will provide content that reflects the excellent standard of student media in Ireland. USI President John Logue said: “The USI is delighted to work with the Irish Times on this exciting project. In the short-term, Campus Times will provide an invaluable resource to prospective college students that are in need of expert advice as they try to make the right decisions. USI’s videos will give them a sense of what to expect from […]
[…]Union who wants to submit to the newsletter please get your content in by 5pm every Thursday to news@usi.ie. Sign up to the newsletter below! Subscribe to our mailing list and get news on campaigns, events and what your national union is doing for you: Enter your email address and hit […]
Minutes from the National Councils in August and September are now available on the USI Website. In future, all National Council documents will be available here in advance, along with information on accommodation and the itinerary for the event. The home for the National Council documents is in the ‘About USI’ section of the main menu Find the NC documents below For August For […]
USI will be covering the 2014 Budget via liveblog right here. This should refresh automatically – there is no need to refresh the […]
The Union of Students in Ireland is shocked and devastated at news of a serious incident in Berkeley, California, resulting the apparent deaths of Irish students. Initial reports say that a balcony collapse has killed six people and injured seven – and that at least some of the deceased are Irish students. Laura Harmon, USI President, said: “The thoughts of the whole student movement are today with the families and friends of those students caught up in this terrible event. Like the classmates and loved ones of those involved, we await further information from the authorities. Every year thousands of students […]
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[…]Engagement, including the principles developed by the group, is available at: […]
[…]President’s initiative and his willingness to engage with young people in a meaningful and constructive manner. Presidents from twenty three Students’ Unions will attend the meeting, along with USI’s Officer Board. The visiting Students’ Unions include: Institute of Technology Blanchardstown Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology National University of Ireland Galway Waterford Institute of Technology IT Tallaght National College of Ireland St. Angela’s College Sligo Dublin Institute of Technology Limerick Institute of Technology Letterkenny Institute of Technology NUI Maynooth Dundalk Institute of Technology University College Dublin University College Cork Institute of Technology Carlow Trinity College Dublin Institute of […]
[…]do not have the space to study. USI Equality and Citizenship Vice-President Megan Reilly welcomed news that the Department of Justice and Equality has written to university presidents urging them to provide alternative accommodation for students in Direct Provision. Megan said: “Students in Direct Provision are in very tough circumstances during these times. They do not have the space or privacy in which to study and get their college work done. They are most likely sharing rooms with the rest of their family or others. There are empty rooms now in a lot of student accommodation buildings and they should […]
[…]welcomes the news stating; “Students have been suffering at the hands of rogue landlords and a crushingly expensive rental market from the moment that the housing market began to rise again. It is dispicable that some of the most vulnerable people in society have been taken advantage of to the point where 429 students had declared themselves homeless on the night of the 2016 census, that number does not include the students who are couch surfing with friends or spending 6 hours a day on public transport just to gain an education at third level. Today however, we cautiously welcome […]
[…]cultural origin, sexual orientation or social standing. Its member organisations are also student-run, autonomous, representative and operate according to democratic principles. The aim of ESU The aim of ESU is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Bologna Follow Up Group, Council of Europe and UNESCO. Through its members, ESU represents over 15 million students in Europe. Activities Since decisions concerning higher education are increasingly taken at the European level, ESU’s role as the only European-wide student platform is […]
[…]to help address those challenges. There are many organisations and groups undertaking research or running programmes and initiatives that would be beneficial for the Working Group to be aware of as we progress our work. If you believe you have information that will be useful for the Working Group, please email it to president@usi.ie with “SLWE Submission” as the subject line by 24th of […]
[…]and 24 and will be published in Autumn 2017. To participate online, click here: http://spunout.ie/news/article/survey-for-national-lgbt-youth-strategy One for Ireland USI is supporting the #OneForIreland campaign this May Bank Holiday weekend, which is a campaign run by current and former TCD students, and this year has 7 projects across 7 regions in Ireland identified as charity partners for youth mental health projects. Get involved by sharing online and giving a Euro this weekend! Check out the projects here: […]
[…]more equal in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality. It is clear that students want to live in a more inclusive and egalitarian society. Access to marriage equality is a crucial part of this. USI has registered over 20,000 students to vote, and we plan to add to this number over the coming months. We know students are excited by the referendum and anxious to have their voices heard on the issue of marriage equality in Ireland. ” USI VP Equality and Citizenship, Annie Hoey, said: “Students for Marriage Equality is the campaign by students and for students, in preparation for the upcoming referendum on marriage equality.” She continued: “The […]
The Union of Students in Ireland is today saddened by the news of the passing of our friend and colleague, LIT Students’ Union Vice-President Steven Kavanagh. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult and challenging time. Steven was one of the most genuine and honest people to have been involved in USI for many years. His dedication and commitment to the student cause both on a national level and working on behalf of the students in LIT was unparalleled. He is a true inspiration to all of us in the student movement. This is […]
[…]to student leaders and activists across Ireland, who feared that efforts were being made to frustrate the process and lead to a referendum date outside of term time, when many students would be unavailable to vote due to J1 visa commitments as well as the timing of state examinations. USI President Michael Kerrigan welcomed the news, saying: “Student activists of all political views and all positions on the subject of the referendum will be happy that their voices will be heard on this defining issue of our time. There was certainly a push to prevent students being able to express […]
[…]even consider introducing Income Contingent Loans and putting students into €20,000 debt while trust in how funds are managed are now shaken”. USI is the national representative body for the 354,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland. See RTÉ Investigates here: http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/rte-investigates-30003696/10730932/ Image […]
[…]to Budget sums 14/10/13 The Independent USI Launch No Campaign in the Seanad Referendum 11/09/13 Newstalk Students to Resist Cuts to Grants RTE 19/08/13 TV3 Ireland AM: USI President on College […]
[…]Research, Innovation and Science, according to the Union of Students in Ireland. Welcoming news of a wide-ranging review of the grants operated by SUSI, USI has called for thorough engagement with stakeholders including students and their representatives. USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick said: “USI has been campaigning for years for a full review of the SUSI support scheme. SUSI is a vital part of ensuring students have access to third level education but at the moment it does not fully meet the needs of students. So we welcome this much-needed announcement today. It is vital now that the review hears the […]
[…]people would make it out to be.” Donoghue maintains that politicians should be delighted at the news. “Time and again politicians have argued that free third level education would be great if it was viable. Well now we are being told that it is.” USI is calling on political groups to ensure that a move to fully publicly-funded education is included in programme for government. “Considering our reliance on a highly educated work force for economic growth, the value it brings in a social and economic sense, and the opportunities it creates where there otherwise might be none it is […]
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[…]have been reassured by the Higher Education Authority that this will not be the case. It is also crucial that student services, which have borne the brunt of considerable cuts over the past number of years, are protected at a reasonable level and do not continue to be subjected to further […]
[…]your story in confidence. The Vice President for Welfare met with Problem Gambling Ireland and Rutland centre on Gambling control bill lobbying and campaign. Finalised preparations for the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (studentsurvey.ie) starting next week. The Vice President for Equality & Citizenship was appointed to National Advisory Panel for the ESHTE (Ending Sexual Harassment and Violence in Third Level) Project by the National Women’s Council of Ireland this week. The project will formally launch early April. USI completed and submitted a submission to the National Women’s Council. You can read our submisison here. The Vice President for Equality […]
[…]candidates in the Northern Ireland Assembly election to focus on building a stable future which delivers hope and opportunity for students and young people. Policy and Campaigns: Assisted National Forum in reviewing funded projects aimed at enhancing teaching & learning in higher education. Met with the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (ISSE) to evaluate progress of survey to date and to plan for second phase of field work. Met with the project manager of a scoping group aimed at identifying ways in which learning analytics can enhance student support. USI met with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to […]
[…]of young intersex people in Ireland as well as those who identify on a gender and sexuality spectrum beyond LGBT. The Vice President for Equality and Citizenship met with Joanne O’Riordan, the disability rights activist to discuss the campaign to ensure the ratification of UN CRPD. The Vice President for Equality and Citizenship spoke at a ‘Women Lead Project’ event in DCU Students’ Union, encouraging more candidates to get involved and how to run for election. The Vice President for the Southern Region created a policy on personal safety and water safety. On Tuesday 1st, The USI and Amnesty International […]
[…]of the majority of staff and students at Trinity College. A recent poll carried out by Trinity News showed 76 per cent of students agree they have been effective. Protests that the college deem to be in line with their ‘rules’ would not work. That is not real protest. Through the fine and ongoing threats of more fines or exclusions from the college, management is punishing students for caring about the university’s complicity in genocide and about current and future students who cannot afford to pay high rents or more fees and are essentially being sent the message that third-level […]
[…]Mary Quirke of AHEAD. On Tuesday, the sessions examined the national access plan as a policy instrument, drawing in particular on Irish and Austrian experiences. The outcomes of the sessions will be presented to the Bolonga Follow-Up Group for the Social Dimension as the authoritative international student perspective on access. On Wednesday, a half-day session considered the consequences of Brexit for European Higher Education, with a focus on international mobility, the internationalisation of qualifications, and research collaboration. Students’ Union News: In relation to the SIPTU/USI campaign, LYITSU registered 82 ECCE students to SIPTU this week, 1st year and 4th year […]
[…]other issues. USI want to ensure that students’ health is at the forefront of any campaigns we run/support in the future. Accordingly, It has been determined we are not best served doing that in partnership with Drinkaware”. USI look forward to working independently with similarly positioned bodies and organisations as ourselves, in the future. Notes: Read the Irish Time’s coverage here and the letter sent to Meas chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan here. Take part in the Newstalk Poll: Do you think alcohol awareness campaigns can be effective if funded by the alcohol industry? here. For more information contact USI Communications and Research […]
[…]will be reviewed by a ‘rapid’ working group. USI president Síona Cahill reacted to the news, saying: “The Oireachtas committee on the eighth amendment was clear that access to contraception needed to be immediately reviewed, particularly regarding cost. Students as a cohort have already been failed by a lack of sexual health education at post-primary level, and we are still being failed when it comes to actual access to contraceptives, and cost is most certainly a barrier.” The USI believes that the ability to choose contraception is imperative for all students and those who are sexually […]
[…]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, […]
[…]should make sure to get theirs in early.” “The last thing you want is to be without a grant or news of your grant come September because you didn’t apply on time” she stated. She also had advice for students who were having difficulty in their application process, “If you are struggling with the application call into your Students’ Union or call the SUSI helpline. There are people there to help if you are having any […]
For the Government to commit to increasing the threshold and allocation given through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant scheme. The DIT Campus Life survey details the on average the total cost to attend third level education in Dublin, with the total cost coming around to €11,000 per annum. While USI expresses its gratitude in extending and increasing eligibility for grants in recent years – especially in Budget 2017 towards postgraduates. Unfortunately these measures don’t go far enough. With the maintenance grant ranging from €30 per month on the lowest to €120 on highest non-adjacent grant, this is not […]
[…]Childers said, “[Labour’s] mandate with [its] members and the public is being stretched to breaking point.” She wrote of the need to discard the orthodoxy of austerity and urged parliamentarians to demand that Labour’s distinct policies be delivered. One of these policies is a commitment not to increase fees and to protect the maintenance grant. USI President John Logue said: “There is now a consensus building around the need to re-negotiate the Croke Park agreement. Pat Rabbitte, Brian Hayes, James Reilly and Leo Varadkar have joined Minister Quinn in his call for pay and pensions to be examined as a necessary […]
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[…]decision to return the €25m withheld from colleges in the 2013 and 2014 budgets is good news for education – but represents a drop in the ocean of required investment for third level education – which will experience a 1% cut in wage related and non-wage related expenditures. However, less positive in the budget for students is the decision to stick by pre-planned increases in the student contribution fee – a major increase in the cost of college, on top of already historically high accommodation rental prices. USI welcomes announcements on provisions to build more housing, which should in due […]
[…]for students to be run out across the country in third level institutions. This project will run for 9 months. USI will be recruiting a full-time Mental health Project Manager. Applications for the role mentioned are already live. Candidates can apply for the job here: […]
[…]Welfare USI said: ‘Having sex with someone who cannot consent, because they are too drunk or are in fear, is rape. USI’s recent ‘Say Something’ study showed victims do not report incidents of sexual violence because they thought that they would be blamed for what happened (22 per cent). Additionally, in over six in ten cases (64 per cent for Women, 62 per cent for Men) the victim themselves were under the influence of alcohol at the time. This belief is dangerous. It is never the fault of the victim even if they have been drinking or taking drugs. It is important […]
[…]financial costs incurred by students who live a distance from their college. This is particularly crucial for those living in rural areas, which are often poorly served by public transport. USI also believes qualifying students should have access to required financial supports regardless of their institution or course-type, once they are undertaking a course available through the CAO. The USI submission also highlights the unfairness of the reality that those under 23-years-old are currently automatically assessed as dependant, regardless of their actual living situation, unless they can prove estrangement from their family. Commenting on USI’s submission to the SUSI review, USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick […]
[…]has the opportunity to take a stand on sexual violence and harassment, to make a difference in the lives of students, and to be a best practice role model for the rest of our […]
[…]has the following message for students: “The processing of grant applications is once again running pretty smoothly. We are expecting to receive around 105,000 applications for the 2017/18 academic year. We have received 80,000 applications to-date and I would urge students to apply before the deadline of July 13th to ensure that their applications receive priority”. The national awarding authority has already awarded grants to more than 41,000 students for 2017/18, including 10,500 new students. Mr. Doyle added: “Leaving Certificate students should not wait until they receive their Leaving Certificate results and CAO offers late in August before applying to SUSI. […]
[…]four years living in Direct Provision in Ireland – in the midst of a global pandemic. The news of the deportation order comes in the week that residents of Caheersiveen Direct Provision centre have undertaken a hunger strike in protest at the conditions in their residence. All at USI offer our full solidarity to the 32 people taking the action due to complaints about issues, including the rationing of food and water, not being taken seriously. The USI calls on Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee to immediately halt the deportation of the two students who faced prosecution and violence before […]
[…]on what it’s like to be a woman in Ireland today The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is running a series of seminars in 2013 on the topic of ‘Women in Society’. The first seminar takes place this Monday in University College Cork at 7.30pm in the O’Rahilly Building. The purpose of the seminars is to generate a discussion around questions such as: What is it like to be a woman in Ireland today? Do we still need feminism? Why aren’t women represented more in the media and in politics? The seminars will feature a range of female speakers […]
The Union of Students in Ireland Executive team for 2020-2021 has hit the ground running in its first fortnight in office. With cross-over weeks and induction training done for the new executive, Wednesday (July 15) saw the start of the annual Students’ Union Training for SU officers 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 […]
This is the E-Clár for USI Congress 2015. It’s the base for all USI Congress information, live and updated as it happens at Congress 2015. Timetable / Amchláir Motions before […]
[…]before the campaign was set to launch. Vice President for Equality and Citizenship travelled to Brussels to a European Students’ Union (ESU) seminar on refugees and higher education. Watch our video for the USI elections […]
[…]Unions and clubs and societies also need to be supported by their colleges to deliver activities to connect students with one another. The USI’s full Higher Education Delivery for Semester 1, which outlines the union’s full views and the supports that are required and been published today and is available here: HE Delivery For Semester 1 – […]
News Release Release: 11/03/2015 Immediate Release Union of Students in Ireland to hold seminar on publicly funded higher education The Union of Students in Ireland will host a breakfast seminar on publicly funded higher education at the Department of Education and Skills on Thursday 12th March. The seminar, which will begin at 9.00am, will hear from students, second level students, researchers into economic and social policy and an international expert on higher education funding. Speaking in advance of the event, USI President Laura Harmon said: “The USI has a long standing policy advocating for public investment in higher education. Education […]
[…]Bacik, Labour John Paul Phelan, Fianna Fáil Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil Lynn Ruane, Independent Mairead Farrell, Sinn Fein Marc O Cathasaigh, Green Party Martin Kenny, Sinn Fein Michael Healy-Rae, Independent Mick Barry, People Before Profit Ned O’ Sullivan, Fianna Fáil Pa Daly, Sinn Fein Pádraig O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil Patrick Costello, Green Party Paudie O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil Paul Donnelly, Sinn Fein Pauline O’Reilly, Green Party Peadar Toibin, Aontu Roderic O’Gorman, Green Party Roisin Shortall, Social Democrats Ruairi O Murchu, Sinn Fein Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein Violet-Anne Wynne, Independent The flyer we gave out on the day is below – click in to […]
[…]and the wider community. The full day’s programme is available at: http://seechange.ie/index.php/news-and- events/345-campus-tour-2012 -ENDS- NOTE TO EDITORS 1. To arrange an interview with from a spokesperson from any of the organisations involved, contact Sorcha Lowry (Communications Officer, See Change) on 0867954391 or sorcha@seechange.ie. About See Change: See Change, the National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership, is an alliance of over 60 organisations working together to bring about positive change in public attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems. www.seechange.ie About Suicide or Survive (SOS): SOS is an Irish charity focussed on breaking down the stigma associated with mental […]
[…]people who come to learn in their institution. “Again we can see firsthand the exploitative and cruel practices international and postgraduate students are on the receiving end of in Irish Higher Education. International students will be arriving back to Ireland later in the Summer and face significant barriers to accessing accommodation and affordable living with these fee increases piling on the pressure. Meanwhile postgrads are again exploited to fill Institutional coffers, disregarding the huge contributions they make to academic life.” Shane De Rís, President of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, stated that: “College has completely undermined the fee certainty agreement […]
The Union of Students in Ireland is delighted to run the Why Research Matters video competition 2022 in cooperation with the Irish Research Council. This competition aims to showcase the varied and high-quality work being undertaken by postgraduate researchers across the island. We ask the creative minds of the island’s postgraduate research community to produce a short video presentation about their research, and why it matters. Submissions are open from August 20th to September 10th, with winners to be announced by September 30th. The submitted videos will be assessed and shortlisted by the IRC and USI, with the winner being chosen […]
[…]which focus on the future of the students in Ireland.” gradireland #FYI is a ground-breaking initiative designed to enable students to understand their career options and to help them make better-informed career decisions. Developed in partnership with AHECS, gradireland #FYI has created a series of videos with recent graduates demystifying some of the jargon around modern careers; telling students what working in various sectors is really like; and detailing the skills they’ll need to be successful. This practical, straight-talking advice is backed up by careerpath graphics, showing students exactly where their skills can take them, providing much-needed aspiration and inspiration […]
General: USI won Zero Budget Social Media Campaign at the Social Media Awards Ireland. USI were finalists in the Best Twitter Business Campaign and Best Twitter Account for Non-Profit too. See the full list of finalists here. Waterford IT Students’ Union hosted the USI National Council where officers from around Ireland discussed issues related to welfare, academic affairs and equality and citizenship. Policy and Campaigns: The USI Vice President for Equality & Citizenship along with NUS-USI President and NUS UK VP for Society & Citizenship attended and spoke at NUS-USI’s ‘Big Gay Wedding’ outside Stormont in Belfast on Monday 22nd of […]
[…]of accommodation and wellbeing and what can be improved. The first International Students forum will take place on April 21st in the TCD Global Room from 5-7pm. Registration is free – just email equality@usi.ie. The Vice President for Welfare alongside the Vice President for Campaigns meet with the head of National Office Of Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in relation to rolling out mental health training and campaigns for the third level sector. The Vice President for Welfare attended launch of mental health first aid with Minister for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee and Anne O Connor from HSE alongside […]
[…]support their LGBTQ* employees. USI met with the HSE to further a campaign on alcohol and drugs harm reduction for students. USI Elections Spotlight (Local Hustings): NUI Galway SU – Monday 27th February @ 7.30pn in IT250. Contactsu.president@nuigalway.ie for further information. IT Sligo SU – Tuesday 28th February @ 7pm in Room A0004. Contact president@itssu.ie for further information. Maynooth SU – Thursday 2nd March @ 6pm in John Hume Boardroom. Contact: president@nuimsu.ie for further information. Trinity College Dublin SU – Tuesday 7th March @ 7pm in Stanley Quek Theatre, Trinity Biomedical Institute. Contact: president@tcdsu.org for further information. IADTSU – Tuesday 7th March @5pm in Room TBC. Contact: presidentiadt@gmail.com for further information. Waterford Institute […]
[…]amidst the countdown to the vote. President Laura Harmon documents some of the heartfelt and heartbreaking stories from aCongress discussion on Marriage Equality in an Irish Times article: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/yes-to-marriage-equality-would-show-that-lgbt-lives-are-valued-1.2157593 Photocall from USI congress 2015 USI rolls out canvassing trainings in collaboration with Students’ Unions across the country. Canvassing training in NUI Galway Students’ Unions successfully lobby to have exams moved to allow as much opportunity to vote as possible. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/dcu-students-given-time-to-vote-in-marriage-referendum-31071947.html?fbclid=IwAR1cpa8NwfrjjJQ2PQo_asqx3jrCNhlyVwBFx20SxGUVSfYLlB3D6oWVCCg April 2015 Under the leadership of USI President Laura Harmon and Vice President 540 people gather in a rainy Dublin one month ahead of the […]
[…](Fine Gael, Dublin Rathdown) - Raised as Written Q on Tuesday 17th November Richard Bruton TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Bay North) - Raised as Written Q re. Pandemic Unemployment Payment eligibility on Wednesday 7th November. Senator Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael, Longford) - Raised in Seanad on Tuesday 10th November Willie O’Dea (Fianna Fáil, Limerick) - Raised as Written Q on Thursday 12th November. Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fáil, Clare) - Raised in Oireachtas Committee on Health on Wednesday 11th November. Niamh Smyth TD (Fianna Fáil, Cavan-Monaghan) - Raised in Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party Meeting on Tuesday 2nd December. Also raised as Written Q on Tuesday 8th September. John McGuinness TD (Fianna Fáil, Carlow-Kilkenny) - Raised in Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party Meeting on Tuesday 2nd December. Dara Calleary TD (Fianna Fáil, Mayo) - Raised in Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party Meeting on Tuesday 2nd December. James O’Connor TD (Fianna Fáil, Cork […]
[…]daily to Dublin from extremely long distances. If you’re fortunate enough to find somewhere to live, the likelihood is that it’s costing significantly more, at a time when student finances are already past breaking point. Some opt to spend multiple nights sleeping on couches or in hostels every week, others aren’t even able to attain that. There is now a real danger that this will start to impact on retention rates and it requires immediate attention from Government.” Harmon’s warning comes less than a month before CAO offers are set for release. Parents and prospective students are already facing difficulties, […]
[…]students out of the private rental sector and away from third level institutions. According to the latest quarterly report by Daft.ie, rents rose nationwide by an average of 3.2% in the third quarter of 2015, the largest three-month increase since early 2007. Supply on the market is at its tightest on record, with just over 4,000 properties available to rent nationwide. “This spike in rental costs could make accommodation unaffordable to students and could push them out of the private rental sector and away from third level institutions,” Kevin Donoghue, President of the Union of Students in Ireland, said. “While […]
[…]with the Council of the EU, based on European Commission proposals) Supervisory (Democratic scrutiny of all EU institutions) Budgetary (Establishing the EU budget, together with the Council) Did you know that there’s an election in 2019? The next Elections to the European Parliament are expected to be held on the 23-26 May 2019. A total of 751 Members of the European Parliament currently represent some 500 million people from 28 member states Did you know that voting at EU eu level is actually easy? In the Republic of Ireland MEPs are elected via Single Transferable Vote which is conducted by […]
[…]cash terms and against inflation. We said many times that families and students were approaching a breaking point – and it’s clear from this report that that point has long been reached. A review of the effectiveness of current grant levels needs to be quickly undertaken.” On the wider issue of student drop-out, she added: “I very much welcome the chair of the Higher Education Authority’s desire to get to the bottom of student dropout – and USI will of course support his efforts with solid evidence and representation from across the country.” Accommodation Crisis High among the reasons for […]
[…]for the 2020-2021 Executive Team and numerous policies and motions. Congress was also streamed live on the USI website. There will be five new faces on the USI Executive Team for the year ahead with Clare Austick, Adam Clarke, Ciara Kealy, Megan O’Neill, and Gary Tobin being voted in by delegates. Speaking after her re-election, Lorna Fitzpatrick spoke of how, like Irish society in general, the USI will have unprecedented battles to face in the year ahead. She said: “Over the past few days we have discussed the current crisis and referred to the issues that our members will face […]
[…]students and a medium sized college have the power to sway this referendum. It is particularly crucial that we maximise student turn-out when we know from poll after poll and referendums that were held on campuses that young people are more in favour of marriage equality than older generations. Over 90% of students are in favour of marriage equality. To hold this referendum any later than May 1st would be an act of folly on the part of the Government – none of us want to be watching the votes coming in wishing that more people could have voted yes […]
[…]President for Equality and Citizenship, Bukky Adebowale said: “This horrific assault is just the latest violent incident perpetrated on people peacefully going about their lives. Homophobic violence is all too common, and work needs to be done to eradicate it from our society. Those who perpetrate these offences intend to send a message; it’s time for civilised society and Ireland’s criminal justice system to send a message in response – this behaviour and these attacks play no part in our society. All at USI send our solidarity and love to the two victims of this awful crime and to the […]
The USI Website will be down for migration from 3.00pm today and will re-emerge (at the latest) on Monday 4 March 2013 at 8am. As a result, USI email will be disrupted until that time. You should not expect any responses from USI officers from their emails during this necessary maintenance. If you have any urgent requests for information on the website, please contact the USI General Manager on 01 709 […]
[…]youth unemployment and suicide is frightening, and shows an urgent a response is needed. The latest OECD reports on Ireland support USI’s calls for greater action on Youth Unemployment, and are critical of Ireland’s efforts to address this crisis. The report describes Ireland as ‘leaving behind far too many for far too long’, with an enormous spike in young Irish people now categorised as being long-term unemployed. The key conclusions of the latest Economic Survey of Ireland and a new report ‘Local Job creation: How Employment and Training Agencies can help’ state that while the unemployment rate in Ireland has begun to […]
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[…]these costs. The chronic delay with grant payments is stretching the patience of landlords to breaking point. They are putting students under immense pressure to come up with payments that are now months overdue. USI is calling on the Minister to ensure that SUSI has all necessary resources to complete grant payments by the end of the month.” -ENDS- For more information contact USI Media and Communications Executive, Ronan Costello, on 085-1164263 or email […]
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[…]this lunchtime, and a number entered the building and intend to stay there until they can deliver a letter outlining their demands to one of the senior finance ministers. The main aim of the National Students Action Group, an offshoot of the national student movement, is to stage demonstrations and direct actions to directly tackle Government on the student cost-of-living crisis. In the letter, which is attached, they say: “We can no longer afford to be quiet about the terrible conditions currently impacting students and staff that are breaking the futures of Ireland’s youth, so we are speaking out.” The six […]
[…]considerably less than what this State deems the lowest amount a young person can be expected to live off- The lowest rate of Jobseekers Allowance for an unqualified 18-19 year old, at €100 per week. For many, dropping out and going on the dole would be a short-term financial easing, and this is an unacceptable state of affairs which has caused great hardship, angst and strain to the youth of this country. If the devastation caused by last year’s SUSI grants processing debacle achieved one thing, it was to highlight the fundamental importance of the student maintenance grant to students […]
[…]collectively by society through general taxation, corporation tax and a higher education levy. The market model of student loan schemes is not appropriate; it places an unacceptable individual debt burden on students and commodifies higher education into a product which can be sold.” The magnitude of the funding cut over a relatively short period of time is having a profound impact on the sector’s capacity to function. In addition to the budget cuts, student tuition fees for undergraduate programmes have increased to €3,000 per year. The new proposed student loan scheme would deter students from applying to college and place […]
[…]unemployment, the cost of living, mental health services and many others that impact on the daily lives of young people,” said Ian Power, SpunOut.ie Executive Director. Today’s calls have come as part of the Promote the Vote campaign run by the NYCI, the USI and SpunOut to encourage young voters to register and to use their vote in the upcoming local and European elections. The organisations are hosting an election hustings debate where young voters can engage with candidates in the Science Gallery, Dublin today (20.05.14), from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. #YouthVote14 Sources: *Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes European Elections May 2014 […]
[…]student charges or reductions in the maintenance grant will merely serve to further attack struggling families already crippled by wider recessionary measures. We would call on the Government and Minister Quinn to have the costs of college at the forefront of their minds when making upcoming Budgetary choices- Third level is at breaking point and neither parents nor students can take any more.” -ENDS- For more information contact USI President, Joe O’Connor on 087-2191862, or USI General Manager, Ben Archibald on 01-9052091, or email […]
[…]top of the agenda when making Budgetary decisions. Fighting for the future of students now is crucial to the economic recovery of Ireland. USI President Joe O Connor says: “The maintenance grant has been hit in 4 consecutive Budgets, the cost of college continues to spiral upwards, and hard-pressed students and families have now very much reached breaking point. Students from all across the country are gathering in 3 regional locations today as one united voice- To send a message that any continued targeting of our most vulnerable members will be met with firm resistance. Higher Education is not public […]
[…]of the Union of Students in Ireland, said. “The cost of education is pushing students to breaking point. It’s unaffordable and the compromises so many students have to make to stay in college, such as working to the point of burnout, ironically restrict their academic success.” USI stressed that the dropout rate and the rate of students who fear having to drop out of college is directly linked with the cost of education, and are calling on Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton to put more financial support in place for students such as increasing the maintenance grant, […]
[…]Union for guidance & advice. Check the CAO website for further information and […]
[…]with our joint policy paper “Investing in a future that Works”. The paper sets out deliverable policy proposals that will ensure young people: Can make a smooth transition from education to employment; Can participate in work placements that will give them real and worthwhile learning opportunities; Can enter the labour market and enjoy conditions that will provide them with a decent standard of living.. This collaborative effort between student leaders and young workers is a positive response to the issues currently facing Ireland’s youth. With October’s Budget around the corner, we are calling on the Government to produce a National […]
[…]target third-level student supports by the Government. “Students and families are already at breaking point, and the cost of college continues to increase. This week, an ILCU survey showed that 84% of families are already struggling to meet the cost of third level. “75,000 students and their families depend on the grant each year, a grant that has been targeted in each of the last four Budgets. Any further cut to the grant will push these struggling families over the edge. “SERD, launched by USI this week, will mobilise these students and their families, creating a block of over 200,000 […]
[…]year’s local and European elections, and it will be continually developed and enhanced in the run up to the next general election. “Minister Quinn’s statements today that he will do ‘what he can’ to protect the maintenance grant provides little comfort to students and families already concerned about the affordability of college- When choices are being made around the Cabinet table in respect of the Budget the choice needs to be made to protect a Higher Education system at breaking point”. “There may have been an impression in the past that students made a lot of noise but didn’t back […]
[…]the venture through TV, Radio and press interviews and in digital social media. The Deal Effect marketing and PR team will be supplementing this with engaging stories and conversations in social media. Check out the Merchant Referral Scheme on the website and follow Deal Effect on Twitter and Like it on Facebook to interact, get updates and share content. #GiveBack11 All SU members of Deal Effect are actively encouraged to use all of these opportunities to increase awareness of Deal Effect and thus drive the necessary growth in the subscriber base that is needed to make the venture successful for […]
[…]is forcing some students to commit to a lease they can’t afford, sleep on friends’ couches, live in poor quality accommodation or endure long commutes. “The lack of purpose-built on-campus accommodation, private sector rent increases and the shortage of rental properties continues to fuel a dropout culture in third level education.” Donoghue said. “The accommodation crisis will deter students, especially those from rural areas, from going to college, and long commutes will negatively affect the quality of their college experience. “We should follow international examples and seek innovative solutions to accommodation shortages. The Irish economy has shown strong signs of […]
[…]citizen means being aware of and caring about the welfare of fellow citizens, recognising that we live as members of communities and therefore depend on others in our daily lives. Active citizens support and become involved in different types of voluntary and community activities; respect and listen to those with differnt views from their own; play their part in making decisions that affect them, in particular by participating in the democratic process; respect ethnic and cultural diversity and are open to change; welcome new peopel who come to live in Ireland (Report of the TaskForce on Active Citizenship 2007 http://www.wheel.ie/sites/default/files/Report%20of%20the%20Taskforce%20on%20Active%20Citizenship.pdf) USI is […]
[…]controlled timing of parturition in beef cattle, evaluating by-products for inclusion in ruminant and monogastric diets; and an advancement in fertiliser technologies for improved efficiency and reduced gaseous emissions. Irish farming is at the forefront of all of these modernisations so it’s no wonder there’s been an increase in the amount of young people applying for agriculture and horticulture courses over the past ten […]
USI has teamed up with Meteor to offer tickets to the Meteor Choice Music Prize live event at Dublin’s Vicar Street on 7 March 2013. Why? USI is proud to announce the new student deals now being offered by Meteor to students in Ireland – and to celebrate our new relationship with Meteor, they’ve given us a host of prizes exclusively for USI members. This week, we have tickets to the gig of the year, and next week we’ll be giving away an iPhone 5. The Meteor Choice Music Prize live event at Vicar Street, Dublin on Thursday, March 7 will feature 9 of the […]
[…]the higher education sector in Ireland – “The higher education sector is at the heart of delivering on massive social and economic challenges, including providing better life opportunities for people from disadvantaged areas, training the skilled workers needed for a growing economy, and delivering major research and innovation projects to help solve the big problems of our time.” The second option is maintaining the current registration fee and increasing state investment to compliment the shortfall in higher education funding. The Union of Students in Ireland said this second option would be casually casting aside the recent research and surveys conducted […]
‘Never again should a student live this nightmare’, says USI The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) calls on immediate action to be taken by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to bring student Ibrahim Halawa back home to Ireland after the verdict of Mr Halawa was postponed until September 18th in Egypt today. The union also states never again should a student live this nightmare. USI President Michael Kerrigan said, “Halawa’s trial was delayed 28 times before his legal team even had a chance to defend him. Today, students across Ireland are calling for Ibrahim’s […]
Going to college in 2018? This guide is for you. Download this latest edition of the USI and Residential Tenancies Board guide to student accommodation and finance, or just read it […]
[…]for information only. Official hustings takes place at USI Congress. UPDATE: Please note updates to TCDSU, NUIGSU and GMITSU hustings dates. This timetable will update as more information is received from members. Member organisations currently planning to host informal hustings are as […]
[…]supply, with many of those who would previously have sought a mortgage now entering the rental market. In a desperate attempt to find a suitable place to live, many students are being forced to pay over the odds for their accommodation, with no choice but to settle at exploitative prices. This adds to the huge financial burden already placed on students attending third-level and their families. We are calling on the Government to look at the development of purpose-built city centre student accommodation to ease this situation in the long-term. This situation will only continue to escalate with the development […]
[…]look like for the remainder of the semester. Placements are currently due to recommence from February 8, but not all clinical placement sites will be able to accommodate students from this date and there is limited information available as to what this will mean for students who cannot return to placement at this time. “USI urges the Departments of Health and Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science to urgently engage with colleges and the NMBI to look at what provisions can be put in place for students whose placements will be unable to recommence on February 8 and to […]
[…]new officer blogs, our National Council co-ordination system and the first looks at the E-Clár live blogging system we’ll use for USI […]
[…]new officer blogs, our National Council co-ordination system and the first looks at the E-Clár live blogging system we’ll use for USI […]
[…]of higher education in serving the interests of a few rather than the whole of society and is the latest display of a real desire among students and staff worldwide to reclaim their campuses. The Irish student experience has changed significantly during times of austerity. Student supports have been drastically cut over the last decade and student fees have risen excessively. Students in Ireland pay the second highest fees in Europe. The USI wishes to convey its support for the direct action taken in LSE, following on from the recent occupation of the New University in Amsterdam and similar activities in Warwick, Birmingham, Sheffield and […]
[…]of all forms of intolerance. Within the struggle of the oppressed people living under Nazi rule, there is a story for student circles worth reflection upon. Students’ unions have long espoused a view that we are not merely self-serving entities. Aside from trying to create education system we need, we also try to act as a social conscience, shaping the society that we believe in. In the summer of 1942, Nazi rule was engrained into practically every aspect of German society. All levels of education and conditioning of the youth were no different. Membership of the Hitler Youth and the […]
[…]Any not submitted by this time will not be included in the document, with no exceptions. All other live notices are available on the main Elections […]
[…]of student Ibrahim Halawa back home to Ireland. The union also states never again should a student live this nightmare. USI Deputy President Síona Cahill said, “Students across Ireland have been behind the campaign to release Ibrahim Halawa alongside his sisters Somaia, Fatima and Omaima. We celebrated his birthday, we cried out every time his trial was delayed, but today we celebrate his freedom after a hard fought campaign driven by students and his family. “Although our Government took steps to release Ibrahim, the fact that this has taken over 4 years should be acknowledged. USI demands procedures and plans […]
[…]Unions across Ireland are supporting thousands of students who cannot get a place to live for the new academic year, with the student accommodation crisis “worse than ever,” according to the Union of Students in Ireland. Many Students’ Unions are reporting to USI that they are working with hundreds of students who feel they have nowhere left to go in their search for accommodation this year. USI and students across Ireland are outraged at the Government’s inability to tackle the housing crisis, which is having a huge impact on many students’ ability to access third-level education. One Students’ Union reported […]
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[…]this pandemic. These issues are urgent and need to be addressed immediately.” Regular updates for student nurses and midwives can be found at https://www.inmo.ie/COVIDStudent General updates for students can be found […]
[…]of the public, to join this protest to show support for TCD SU and TCD BDS group. “This is the latest in a series of actions that the SU, along with students, have taken to tell university management to cut ties with Israel. TCD SU were very unhappy with the way they were treated by the college earlier this evening, and so have asked as many people as possible to come out and support them and we are joining those calls. TCD SU and TCD BDS are calling on Trinity to severe all research and business ties it has with […]
[…]offer. “However, with increasing pressure on funding we are starving ourselves of the chance to live up to this aspiration. Now, more than ever, the Government need to realise that education is not a luxury, it is an economic imperative”, Mr Logue […]
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[…]this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my blog. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickies to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community. As a new WordPress user, you should go to your dashboard to delete this page and create […]
[…]this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my blog. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickies to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community. As a new WordPress user, you should go to your dashboard to delete this page and create […]
[…]students and their families at the desperate situation facing students looking for somewhere to live to attend college or university. USI and student representatives from across the island will sleep out overnight on Kildare Street to kick-off a new ‘No Keys, No Degrees’ campaign to urge government to take urgent action to tackle the “worse than ever” student crisis accommodation. There has been no response from Government to USI’s calls last week for action to tackle the crisis which is leaving many students at risk of dropping out of college, deferring, or sleeping on friend’s couches. This new campaign will […]
[…]market, USIT was another collateral casualty of the September 11th terrorist attack which had a crushing impact on the student travel market resulting ultimately in massive restructuring for the company under new ownership. Despite the maelstrom of commercial pressuresthe surrounded the company in the wake of the terrorist attacks, USIT’s focus remained on ensuring the safety of the thousands of Irish students in the U.S.A. at that time. When other companies would have been hard-nosed and focussed on the bottom line, Gordon and his team to their credit chose to concentrate their efforts on the distressed students and their parents. […]
[…]rents in Galway are now at 14% above their 2008 peak, which marks ‘a bigger increase than any market in Dublin’. Although USI would urge the Government to immediately introduce the so-called rent predictability measures we would like to emphasise the need of extending it to other locations, where students are at the risk of high rent increases (e.g. Galway, Limerick). Furthermore, USI acknowledges the supportive landlord accreditation scheme. Landlords can get support in complying with the existing regulations and therefore ensuring security of tenants rights. ‘This is an important step towards ensuring the adequate quality of accommodation. Unfortunately students […]
[…]rents in Galway are now at 14% above their 2008 peak, which marks ‘a bigger increase than any market in Dublin’. Although USI would urge the Government to immediately introduce the so-called rent predictability measures we would like to emphasise the need of extending it to other locations, where students are at the risk of high rent increases (e.g. Galway, Limerick). Furthermore, USI acknowledges the supportive landlord accreditation scheme. Landlords can get support in complying with the existing regulations and therefore ensuring security of tenants rights. ‘This is an important step towards ensuring the adequate quality of accommodation. Unfortunately students […]
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[…]is €11,000 a year for students to live away from home, compared to €7,000 a year for those who live at home. Donoghue urged families and students from rural backgrounds to vote for a party who will increase students support such as the student assistant fund, grants (both undergraduate and postgraduate) and who will reduce the registration fee which currently stands at €3,000 a year. “For many families, education is already unaffordable.” Donoghue said. “It should be a right, not a privilege and while politicians say that free education would be too big a strain on the state, every other […]
[…]2013 there are 16,082 young people in long-term unemployment seeing majority of young people struggling on €100 p/w or €144 p/w and the will still struggle on the new rates with just a €2.70 increase a week. Ireland currently has the fourth highest number of young people who are ‘Not in Employment, Education or Training’ (NEETs) in the European Union with 18.4% compared with the EU average of 12.9% (EuroStat, 2014). Even if young job-seekers entered the Labour Market earning minimum wage the weekly take home pay (minus USC) is approximately €329. This should be considered a financial incentive to […]
[…]poverty line while working. The USI has made several submissions to the Low Pay Commission – the latest in March 2020 – outlining its argument that the Living Wage is the gross pay necessary to provide a minimum adequate income. The calculation of the Living Wage is evidence based, built on budget standards research and grounded in social consensus. The USI believes that the Living Wage would prevent exploitation, ensure minimum standards in terms of compensation and prevent race-to-the-bottom wage competition, while also protecting students and other vulnerable groups, including migrants. As the Irish Living Wage campaign (www.livingwage.ie) outlines: “Earnings […]
[…] their particular skills and expertise, and to be able to develop practical skills valued by recruiters that assist them in their first foray into the employment market. The USI is hopeful that the ‘Future Focus’ campaign and roadshow facilitates this and USI want to thank our partners in HAYS Recruitment and Carr Communications for making it possible”. Hays Ireland Director James Milligan said; “We are really pleased to have this opportunity to work with USI to help up-skill students for their impending job searches. It’s amazing how many jobseekers make simple mistakes in the process of searching for a new […]
[…]of tenants in Ireland and addresses the most pressing issues of students in the private rental market. The most prevalent problems for students in the private rental sector are: increasing difficulty to find accommodation; high, unaffordable rents; reluctance of landlords to rent to students; low quality accommodation; significant distances from college; vague deposit deductions without cost breakdowns; lack of written lease agreements and lack of regulations. In the housing market, students are competing with those who can pay higher rents and therefore are very often priced out, ignored and rejected by the landlords. This gives rise to homelessness, […]
[…]students, families and professionals to race for accommodation, and compete for somewhere to live. In many instances, this competition has pushed students to take accommodation that exists outside of their price range.” “More than 25,000 students have already accepted their college places yesterday from the CAO.” Michael Kerrigan, USI President, said. “There is still a shortage of accommodation, and students are being crammed into small spaces, with harsh living conditions and horror stories of the state of living. While most of the accommodation has already been taken up, anyone who has already accepted their place at college should start making […]
[…]we enjoy working with the firm and hope that the legacy of this cornerstone of the Irish travel market can yet be saved. Our thoughts today are with the staff, and we hope that students who had made plans with the firm can be made whole in the coming days. Students who have paid for products and who would like to try to secure a refund should try to make contact with Usit Travel’s liquidators in the coming days, and may wish to contact FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) on www.flac.ie or the Citizen’s Information on https://www.citizensinformation.ie/ for further […]
[…]we enjoy working with the firm and hope that the legacy of this cornerstone of the Irish travel market can yet be saved. Our thoughts today are with the staff, and we hope that students who had made plans with the firm can be made whole in the coming days. Students who have paid for products and who would like to try to secure a refund should try to make contact with Usit Travel’s liquidators in the coming days, and may wish to contact FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) on www.flac.ie or the Citizen’s Information on https://www.citizensinformation.ie/ for further […]
[…]and no one should be denied the right to donate blood based on their sexuality.” The latest USI motion, passed in 2019, mandated that: “The VP Equality and Citizenship campaign for the abolishment of the deferral period to ensure that MSM who meet all other eligibility criteria will be eligible to donate blood in […]
[…]they want to receive their predicted grades, when they have already opted into the system? This latest delay seems unnecessary to us and we feel that not enough was done to prevent this from […]
[…]in my credit union account. This has mostly helped with paying for my accommodation so I could live off my part time job funding from 1st – 4th year supernumerary. Often with placement I would be working 5 long days in one week to keep up loan payments, fuel my car and feed myself. It was a relief to say the least when we got granted minimum wage in April this year for internship meaning I could finally quit my other job and concentrate on my nursing degree. I have a constant weight on my shoulders to ensure I maintain […]
[…]students, families and professionals to race for accommodation, and compete for somewhere to live. In many instances, this competition has pushed students to take accommodation that exists outside of their price range.” “More than 25,000 students have already accepted their college places yesterday from the CAO.” Michael Kerrigan, USI President, said. “There is still a shortage of accommodation, and students are being crammed into small spaces, with harsh living conditions and horror stories of the state of living. While most of the accommodation has already been taken up, anyone who has already accepted their place at college should start making […]
[…]and Safety Manger Lorraine Rushe who said: “This is the second year that this campaign has been run in NUI Galway and it has been a huge success. It creates awareness and empowers the students to take responsibility for the way in which they live and encourages them to reduce their impact on the environment and associated costs. We can all learn from these initiatives and it is by getting students and staff to engage that we will start to see how small changes in the way we things do can make a big difference”. After filming a new set of videos […]
[…]to provide quality, affordable accommodation to students while easing the stress on the rental market as a whole. It will also help families who are struggling to make ends meet.” Donoghue made clear that, whilst the rent-a-room relief scheme represents a good option for students and home owners alike, the problem of under provision of accommodation in major towns needs to be addressed urgently by the government – and is likely to become a general election issue. “Long term the solution is more purpose built student accommodation. While this will help alleviate the problem in the short term it can’t […]
[…]Digs Survey at the end of the last academic year to see what is really going on for students that live in, or have lived in, digs. And this report puts forward the results of that research. “One of the key takeaways for us from this survey is that all parties, homeowners and students, feel better and more protected when they have an agreement in writing. Most people want the arrangements to be set out in advance, so everyone knows where they stand.” The report also sets out USI’s recommendations for dealing with the issues face by the students living […]
[…]or convicted of a crime. This intolerable, abusive behaviour has happened repeatedly, with this latest large-scale leaking and sharing of private images being particularly invasive. USI is demanding a commitment from Government to tackle this issue, which has left many people vulnerable and damaged as a result. However, legislation is only part of what is needed to tackle this issue; there must be a cultural shift too. Victim blaming, shaming and the use of degrading language and ‘slut-shaming’ must stop. Consent extends to the sharing of images and conversations, as well as physical intimacy. USI will continue to work and […]
[…]hardship and sacrifice over the last year, and USI is hugely concerned about the impact of these latest measures, amidst a busy assessment period. In a SpunOut.ie and Irish Examiner study carried out in late autumn, students were offered a range of words to describe their mental health – 70% of survey respondents said they were ‘anxious’, 60% said they felt ‘uncertain’ and 34% described themselves as ‘sad’, while 28% were ‘pessimistic’ and about one-quarter ‘fearful’. Lorna said: “In any normal year, students experience increased stress in the lead up to exams. This year, that is coupled with a global […]
[…]Annie Hoey said: ‘The accommodation crisis is deterring students, especially those from rural areas, from going to college, and long commutes are already negatively affecting the quality of their college experience.’ ‘We want to assess the actual situation of students across the country. Housing cannot be treated only as a market, but is central to the experience of the student, and whether or not they thrive at college. Investment in student accommodation is investment in reduced rates of wasteful non-completion and increased rates of study success.’ added Hoey. The National Student Housing Survey focuses on five areas: demographics, accommodation status and […]
[…]crisis. As part of the programme, the Young Global Advocates will be supported to devise and run their own Europe-wide campaign. So if you know any passionate young people (aged 18- 30) who would like the opportunity to make a big difference please share the application details with them today! Deadline is Friday 7th February. IDEA is also offering Challenging the Crisis workshops with any group of young people interested in learning more about the global economic crisis, how it is affecting young people in Ireland right now and what we can do, together, about it. ACT NOW: 1. Go straight to the application form 2. Read […]
[…]be removed from the register for that area. The amended Register of Electors is published on 1 February and comes into force on 15 February. What happens if I want to register after November 25th? After November 25th you will need to apply to be on the Supplemental Register of Electors. You must complete form RFA2 and have it stamped by a member of An Garda Siochana. You can make this application at any time, but in order to be included in the supplement used at an election, your application must be received by your local authority at least 15 […]
[…]be removed from the register for that area. The amended Register of Electors is published on 1 February and comes into force on 15 February. What happens if I want to register after November 25th? After November 25th you will need to apply to be on the Supplemental Register of Electors. You must complete form RFA2 and have it stamped by a member of An Garda Siochana. You can make this application at any time, but in order to be included in the supplement used at an election, your application must be received by your local authority at least 15 […]
[…]tackle the student accommodation crisis in order to alleviate the pressure from the private rental market. 4. Investigate the feasibility and provide for the creation of a capital grant specifically for HEI’s planning, development and construction of on- campus student accommodation. 5. To ensure that NAMA recognises the student housing issue as a social issue and to be recognised as a social housing issue to assist with development and planning to meet demand. 6. Consideration to be given to tax measures to develop on-campus accommodation for HEIs. 7. Engage in meaningful consultation with NAMA regarding the availability of suitable properties […]
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[…]thousands of new units of student accommodation being built across Dublin, many of them are run by private companies like Shanowen”, Kerrigan said. ”There is no point in trying to catch up with the lack of accommodation being built if students are forced to starve because they can’t afford rent just to get a degree. The market will not regulate itself, although there is new student accommodation opening across the country, there is not enough to meet the rising number of Irish and International students. Without legislation, this situation will only get worse.” Purpose-built student accommodation is not subject to […]
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[…]and must be done ahead of the new academic year, but if not, then in Budget 2021 by the absolute latest. It is not right that students have to struggle to pay the same fees when there is such uncertainty about their future. “USI conducted research earlier this year to understand how COVID-19 was impacting students and one of the key recommendations from this research was that provisions be put in place for students who do not have access to devices or have poor WiFi. There also must be extra financial supports made available for for students through SUSI, the […]
[…]to work out what level of study you can commit to. · Keep an eye on the jobs market – Keep ahead of the game by focusing on postgraduate courses that you know will give you a competitive advantage in the […]
[…]be removed from the register for that area. The amended Register of Electors is published on 1 February and comes into force on 15 February. What happens if I want to register after November 25th? After November 25th you will need to apply to be on the Supplemental Register of Electors. You must complete form RFA2 and have it stamped by a member of An Garda Siochana. You can make this application at any time, but in order to be included in the supplement used at an election, your application must be received by your local authority at least 15 […]
[…]terminations on medical grounds. “Many don’t have access to abortion because of where they live and we still have the three day wait period and no access to abortion after 12 weeks, or 10 weeks in the north. This is not free, safe, legal and local abortion and that is what we need.” USI is also calling for the south to follow the example of the north, where safe access zones were introduced earlier this month. Abortion should also be available at all healthcare trusts in Northern Ireland and there should be an all-island approach to abortion care for anyone […]
[…]since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in Ireland in 1982. The Union of Students in Ireland renews its calls on Government to invest in the expansion of HIV testing services across Ireland. If we are serious about reversing HIV cases, we need to invest in HIV testing, we must ensure barrier-free access to PrEP and sexual health clinics and services across Ireland with a serious focus on ending HIV-related stigma in Ireland. As Ireland comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we look to the Government’s robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and urge the Government to commit the same […]
[…]our members are our affiliated Students’ Unions around Ireland, North and South. USI will be recruiting a full-time dormitory coordinator to run the campaign for 42 months. You can apply for the job […]
homes.usi.ie has reach over 100 homes live on the website at once! In recent days, the Union of Students in Ireland distributed 21,000 flyers advertising the ‘rent-a-room relief’ scheme around university areas. This scheme allows homeowners to benefit from a tax-free €12,000 relief if they take in a lodger. USI president Kevin Donoghue said within a day, 30 new householders had expressed an interest in the scheme. He said it was often from families whose children had left home and who now had a room free. “One taxi driver said to me it was ‘empty nest syndrome’. […]
[…]Tenancies (Student Rents and Other Protections) (Covid-19) Act 2021 was tabled in late February by Sinn Fein and signed by 56 opposition TDS. The bill already has the support of all TDs from Sinn Fein, the Labour Party, the Social Democrats, Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Independent Group and would grant students much-needed protections. Now USI is calling on Government TDs to back the bill and support the students in their constituencies and across the country – USI and other student activists have been contacting local TDs seeking their support. The bill would prevent student accommodation providers from forcing students to pay […]
[…]get refunds for accommodation. It is not good enough to ask students not to go back to campuses, live in student accommodation or mix with other students, but not support them in this by ensuring they are not out of pocket for doing so. USI is calling on Government to show its support and regard for students by passing our Student Accommodation Bill and proving clarity on the remainder of the academic year. The students that have contacted us have been playing their part and they expect Government to do likewise. *** NOTE: University of Limerick’s UL Student Life is not a […]
[…]get refunds for accommodation. It is not good enough to ask students not to go back to campuses, live in student accommodation or mix with other students, but not support them in this by ensuring they are not out of pocket for doing so. USI is calling on Government to show its support and regard for students by passing our Student Accommodation Bill and proving clarity on the remainder of the academic year. The students that have contacted us have been playing their part and they expect Government to do likewise. *** NOTE: University of Limerick’s UL Student Life is not a […]
[…]towards closing the generation gap that has begun to emerge in Irish society. Young people want to live and work in Ireland but a lack of action on behalf of the government to deal with the issues causing emigration means that many of us are forced to leave”. ENDS For more information contact USI Communications & Research Executive Grainne O’Reilly on 087-6776636, or […]
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[…]by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). The latest call for applications to the pool has now opened. Pool members will receive training from NStEP, QQI and USI on quality assurance in Irish Higher Education and quality review procedures. The Student QA Reviewer’s Pool is made up of students trained by QQI and USI to sit on review panels and ensure the student perspective is evident throughout quality assurance in Ireland. Student Reviewers are paid for their time on panels and are reimbursed for expenses. 2019 Call for Reviewers To apply please complete […]
[…]Union and the Global Student Forum against war and expansionism, and in condemning the renewed Russian aggression towards Ukraine. As Russian forces continue a major attack on Ukraine, USI offers solidarity to students in Ukraine and to any Ukrainian students in Ireland – we offer our complete support and will strive to amplify their voices and needs at this time. As a matter of priority, USI is liaising with the Higher Education Authority and Students’ Unions across Ireland to establish the number of students from Irish institutions in Ukraine or Russia to help ensure their safety. The international student movement […]
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[…]discussions on four issues: Competition, Data and Artificial Intelligence; Digital Platforms’ Market Power; Competing with data – a business perspective; Preserving Digital Innovation. We encourage students throughout Europe and beyond to participate in the discussion, and are therefore excited to announce that the European Commission are organising a “Student Challenge”. Their objective is to hear the views of students in Europe and enhance their and the EC’s understanding of the dynamics of digitisation and its impact on our economic and societal developments. Students wishing to participate in this Challenge are invited to write a 250 word contribution “What would you […]
[…]coming to college next year who are unsure about what to do next about getting somewhere to live”, Mr Kerrigan said. “The USI and RTB Finance and Accommodation Guide details the rights students have as tenants, and it is particularly useful for students who are renting for the first time. Students should also check out homes.usi.ie if they are finding it tough to find suitable and affordable accommodation during the accommodation rush.” Mr Kerrigan urged students to be cautious stating, “Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence. Don’t […]
[…]papers, guidance materials and publications; Pursue the development of an Irish Student Housing Trust; Identify and undertake necessary duties and activities to deliver the role’s responsibilities; Carry out other duties and activities as may reasonably be required in order to support colleagues in achieving shared goals; Actively engage in individual and team professional development activities; Carry out the responsibilities of the role in a resource-efficient manner; Adhere to USI policies and practices, and actively support and promote USI vision, mission, and objectives. To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter setting out your suitability for […]
[…]exports go to the remainder of the EU, the UK remains Ireland’s single most important export market in Europe. “In many ways, the Brexit vote is more important for the British than their general elections.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said. “If they decide to vote Tory or Labour and don’t like them in power, they can change their mind in five years. In the Brexit vote, they can’t change their mind. The Referendum on Thursday the 23rd June is possibly the most important Referendum for British Identity, which will undoubtedly have an impact on Irish identity. The UK is […]
[…]exports go to the remainder of the EU, the UK remains Ireland’s single most important export market in Europe. “In many ways, the Brexit vote is more important for the British than their general elections.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said. “If they decide to vote Tory or Labour and don’t like them in power, they can change their mind in five years. In the Brexit vote, they can’t change their mind. The Referendum on Thursday the 23rd June is possibly the most important Referendum for British Identity, which will undoubtedly have an impact on Irish identity. The UK is […]
THE Potato Market in Carlow was full of life last Saturday Septmeber 7th between 9-2pm with members of the community engaging with numerous local businesses including the George Bernard Shaw Arts Centre and local third level students to discuss the educational issues facing them in the coming months. Members of IT Carlow SU (Institute of TechnologyCarlow Students’ Union) and Carlow College SU (Carlow College Students’ Union) hosted the event. IT Carlow SU President Podge Sheehan said: “Cuts across the education sector as a whole are really impacting families negatively, especially around this time of year. We are reaching out to […]
[…]49.7% were men who have had sex with men, 23.8% were heterosexual, 9.2% were people who inject drugs, and 0.8% were mother-to-child transmissions. “USI is encouraging students across Ireland to regularly get tested.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President said. “STI screenings are available in health clinics across campuses and from local GPs. There are also free rapid HIV testing in locations such as Panti Bar in Dublin; GOSHH in Limerick, Chambers nightclub in Cork and a walk-in clinic in UCH Galway. STI screenings only take five minutes and are essential for a healthy sex life.” Robbie Lawlor is a […]
[…]49.7% were men who have had sex with men, 23.8% were heterosexual, 9.2% were people who inject drugs, and 0.8% were mother-to-child transmissions. “USI is encouraging students across Ireland to regularly get tested.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President said. “STI screenings are available in health clinics across campuses and from local GPs. There are also free rapid HIV testing in locations such as Panti Bar in Dublin; GOSHH in Limerick, Chambers nightclub in Cork and a walk-in clinic in UCH Galway. STI screenings only take five minutes and are essential for a healthy sex life.” Robbie Lawlor is a […]
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[…]in and around Dublin has risen enormously, pricing many students out of the accommodation market. Many “buy-to-renters” have repurposed accommodation they had previously made available to students for wealthier renters. To compound this, the value of the student grant has fallen against inflation over a number of years. The end result will be students unhoused and dropping out. USI is calling for the government to form a task force on student accommodation – there needs to be a specific strategy on this serious and growing problem.” As a short-term measure to support the initiative, the Union of Students in Ireland has […]
[…]is a campaign that used social media to help students without homes find a place to live during college. Matching students up with homeowners with spare rooms was the overall goal. We issued media packs and over 100 sample posts to 26 Students’ Unions and organisations like RTB, Threshold and SpunOut.ie to spread our campaign to different audiences. We used images, polls, videos or quote tweets to make our commentary real-time and engaging. We used TweetStorms during the heavy media campaign to bring the conversations on the housing crisis from traditional media onto Facebook, Twitter and Instagram”. USI Vice President […]
[…]gives students just one more week than last year to sort out where they’re going to live. It’s not […]
[…]are rising, with more and more students having to turn to the already pressurised private rental market. Government support for people to rent a room to students is welcome, and we’re promoting the fact of the up-to €12,000 tax free allowance for people prepared to rent their rooms to relieve the crisis.” USI is also warning that student supports need to be examined in light of accommodation issues. “The student assistance fund and the adjacency rates for grants are not sufficient to deal with the issues we will be facing in a few months time. Increased student supports […]
[…]exports go to the remainder of the EU, the UK remains Ireland’s single most important export market in Europe. “The outcome of the Brexit referendum is incredibly disappointing,” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said, “Not only for the future of Britain, but also for the future of Ireland. More than eight per cent of Irish graduates pursue work opportunities in the UK, and Brexit will affect them, as well as the students who wish to study their undergraduates or postgraduates in the UK, or do the Erasmus exchange programme there. There will be tighter border controls and more complicated visa processes […]
[…]many still need accommodation. USI continues to track significant pressure on the private rental market, particularly in college towns and cities, and there is a significant shortfall in purpose built student […]
[…]include but not exclusively the VP of regional developments and the VP of campaigns keeping the news on each forum current with pictures of all relevant events that take place. 12 UO 22 ÓGRA CONFERENCE Congress notes: The diverse range of political parties that exist in Ireland and acknowledges that many of these parties have Ógra branches operating in our members organisations. Congress acknowledges: That such a diverse organisation as USI represents members with a wide variety of political opinions and beliefs. Congress mandates: The President or Vice President Campaign of USI to attend all Ógra Conferences for the […]
[…]the headshop era in Ireland. They are deemed to have similar physical effects to other stimulant drugs, in particular, ecstasy and cocaine. The use of psychoactive drugs in Ireland among the 15-24 year age group is the highest in Europe (22% lifetime use). Data suggests that the purity or potency of most illicit substances is increasing and that the market for substances is becoming more varied and accessible. Annie Hoey, USI President, said: “USI is delighted to continue working with the HSE and Drugs.ie on this harm reduction campaign. We have been working hard this year to provide information to […]
[…]about the opportunities students have to vote for a caring and compassionate future for them to live in.” “It’s time people who are pregnant were allowed to make their own decisions with their doctors right here in Ireland, instead of having to going abroad”, Kerrigan said. “Students have campaigned for abortion rights for decades, and we’re not stopping now. We will make Ireland a more progressive, respectful and caring place for everyone, and students will be leading the charge.” The Union is also reminding students that Tuesday the 8th of May is the closing date for Local Authorities to receive […]
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[…]journey, and it is imperative on all of us, LGBTI+ or not, to work harder to make the society we live and work in a better, more understanding one. Often this means challenging the status quo or the way we always saw ‘the world’, and that can be unsettling, but it’s absolutely necessary. ‘I am honoured to receive this award with USI and thank those shortlisted for the work they do for students.’ Shortlisted for this award were, ‘Out in UL’, ‘GiG Soc (NUI Galway)’, ‘DCU LGBTA Society’. The GALAS were set up by GCN and the National LGBT Federation […]
[…]Union (ISSU), have called for an end to the ‘lock-out’ of young people from the jobs market and proposed a range of measures to improve access to the workplace and enhance employment skills. The three organisations are seeking joint meetings with “all relevant government ministers and departments” on foot of the proposals. The measures are contained in a new, joint publication – Locked out? Investing in a Future for Youth – launched today at 11.30am, DIT Aungier Street. The document is the result of a collaborative process between all three organisations, collectively representing more than one million people and includes a number […]
[…]to ensure fairness and to remove arbitrary ‘cliffs’ in relation to the distance a student must live from their institution in order to qualify for assistance. Students’ Union Training is organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). USI President John Logue said: “Tom Boland’s statement on this issue re-affirms what USI has known all along: that the decision to cut the postgraduate maintenance grant was hastily made and with little thought of the longterm consequences for both students and the State. Postgraduate qualifications are becoming a pre-requisite for many high-skilled jobs. With his decision to cut the maintenance grant, […]
[…]and takes place in NUI Galway from today with introductions and registrations (Friday 28th February 17.30pm) and the main conference is on Saturday March 1st from 9.30am until 5pm. Modules will include Pro-Choice Activism, Trans* Activism and modules relating to reproductive health rights, anti-sexual violence campaigns and LGBTQ Health. USI Vice President for Equality and Citizenship Laura Harmon said: ”We are really delighted to be co-hosting this event with the Y-Factor. Students on campuses across the country are doing amazing work on gender equality issues and we wanted to foster links between activists and facilitate the sharing of ideas by bringing them […]
[…]Ireland has always been a force for the recognition and realisation of equality in Ireland. The latest policy on equality, adopted in 2012, reinforces this commitment. Adopted by National Council on 22 September 2012 Equality Policy 1.Principles: The Union of Students in Ireland is an inclusive organisation that values equality and diversity. Services provided by the Union of Students in Ireland are available to all areas of the membership who will be supported to be equally able to access them. As an employer, the Union of Students in Ireland will not tolerate any form of direct and indirect discrimination. This […]
[…]early so that they have time to organise a job in advance. The main Irish J1 agents are currently running placement programmes to help students secure a summer job in the US. “We’re urging students to get involved now with the job placement process so they can take up the roles that are on offer”, Donoghue said. “Once students have a job secured, they’ll have all the hard work done and be able to look forward to a great summer in the US.” Speaking in advance of the launch, Minister Jimmy Deenihan said: “The J1 Summer Work and Travel programme […]
[…]role in the advancement of Irish society and the economy and they should not be expected to live on such low rates of pay. “The announcement from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science that 400 doctoral students will be recruited through a public-private partnership on a €28,000 annual stipend, without increasing the pay for the 10,000 existing postgraduate research students, would be completely inequitable and unfair. This open letter, which I have signed on behalf of USI, calls for all stipends to be increased to €28,000 in order to address inflation, the housing and cost-of-living […]
[…]could reshape our country’s recovery. For instance, every €1 invested into higher education, delivers a €4 return to the wider economy. Higher education funding will boost economic activity, create jobs and further enhance innovation and investment into Ireland.” Explaining what will be involved in Education for All, USI Vice President for Campaigns, Craig McHugh said: “Today across Ireland, students will be staging socially distanced protests calling for urgent action on higher education funding in order to make sure that there is Education for All across this island. The USI and Students’ Unions will be encouraging students to get involved in […]
[…]been dogged with stories about students sleeping on couches, living in hostels and a SU foodbank running out, Budget 2022 has confirmed the Union of Students’ in Ireland’s view that this Government has no interest in addressing the hardship that many students face. With no deduction made to the Student Contribution Charge and no significant announcement on student accommodation or a plan to publicly fund third-level education, the Government has told students that they are not interested in making the changes needed to open access to higher education. Even the changes to the SUSI Student Maintenance Grant, which are welcome, […]
[…]Team by nine new faces, as the President-elect was the only sitting member of the team for run for election. Due to the on-going public health restrictions, USI Congress was held via Zoom with delegates voting online for the 2021-2022 Executive Team and numerous policies and motions. Congress was also streamed live on Facebook so students could watch the action as it happened. Speaking after her election, Clare explained that there is a lot of work ahead for the union as it seeks to get students back on campus is a safe manner in the new academic year and deals […]
[…]why events such as Pink Training are so important in ensuring that all our young people can live out the motto – ‘come as you are, do what you love’.” Pink Training the largest LGBT student training event in Europe for third level students, with delegations of students attending from USI-affiliated colleges across the country. The event has been running since 1992 and is now in it’s 25th year. Pink Training is primarily for LGBT students, but is also open to LGBT […]
[…]why events such as Pink Training are so important in ensuring that all our young people can live out the motto – ‘come as you are, do what you love’.” Pink Training the largest LGBT student training event in Europe for third level students, with delegations of students attending from USI-affiliated colleges across the country. The event has been running since 1992 and is now in it’s 25th year. Pink Training is primarily for LGBT students, but is also open to LGBT […]
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[…]Act 2021 would force accommodation 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 […]
[…]they cannot afford to insure a car to commute, having already been forced out of the accommodation market by spiralling rents. As part of their campaign to address this major cost of attending college, the USI, representing over 374,000 members, has voted to join the Alliance for Insurance Reform. The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 30 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 36,000 members, 640,000 employees and 493,000 volunteers in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real action to tackle the issue. President of USI, Lorna Fitzpatrick notes, […]
[…]and the rest of Europe, companies must prove substances are safe before they are brought to market whereas in America, substances can be used until they are proven to be unsafe.” 99% of the substances banned by the EU are still legal in the US. The EU has banned over 1,200 substances in cosmetic sales, but the US has only banned 12. In terms of privacy, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement was rejected by the European Parliament in 2012 because it was seen to infringe on people’s right to privacy by requiring internet service providers to monitor their customer’s online activity. […]
[…]and the rest of Europe, companies must prove substances are safe before they are brought to market whereas in America, substances can be used until they are proven to be unsafe.” 99% of the substances banned by the EU are still legal in the US. The EU has banned over 1,200 substances in cosmetic sales, but the US has only banned 12. In terms of privacy, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement was rejected by the European Parliament in 2012 because it was seen to infringe on people’s right to privacy by requiring internet service providers to monitor their customer’s online activity. […]
[…]town and Smartvote will tell them their constituency and their candidates. Smartvote goes live on Wed 13th January. Click here to try it now – […]
[…]has issued a letter to the Russian Ambassador on the torture and persecution of LGBT teenagers in Russia. Irish youth groups have handed in a letter of concern to the Russian Ambassador today to protest at the violent treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender young people in Russia after a gay teenager who was allegedly kidnapped and beaten by neo-Nazis died of his injuries. BeLonG To Youth Services, The Union of Students in Ireland (USI), The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and the International LGBTQ Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) have joined together to express their concern at […]
[…]pushing the best and brightest to emigrate. USI fears graduates would be pushed out of the housing market as evidence from New Zealand shows that 51% of banks that received applications from clients with student debt had indicated that student loans were the contributing factor in rejecting finance – with 34% of those likely to be rejected being mortgages. The demonstration is supported by members of the Coalition for Publicly Funded Higher Education including the Irish Second Level Students’ Union, SIPTU, IMPACT, TUI, IFUT and the National Youth Council of Ireland. USI is campaigning for the Government to rule out […]
[…]by USI. More recent reports have made similar recommendations. Registered Irish voters that live outside Ireland should also be facilitated to vote at Irish embassies or consulates. There are currently 115 nations that facilitate voting for their citizens abroad in one form or another. Reforming the Seanad should also be a key task of the Electoral Commission. Lorna said: “We welcome Senator Malcolm Byrne’s Universities Bill to expand voting rights to graduates of all Higher Education Institutions as a step forward, but we believe the system of graduate voting remains elitist and should be removed. All citizens should have the right […]
[…]to speak about the positive impacts creating a Fairtrade community can have on people’s lives. Speaking ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight, USI President Síona Cahill said: “This is a perfect example of acting locally but thinking globally. Sara is a young international business student, much like many of our members. We are really looking forward to hearing how our actions and decisions go beyond a simple cup of coffee and have a positive impact on the world we live in.” USI Vice President for Equality & Citizenship, Aisling Cusack added: “Students have responded to the need to reduce single use plastics […]
[…]employees are represented by a legally recognised union, we are committed to establishing a constructive dialogue with their freely chosen representatives. The company is committed to bargaining in good faith with such representatives.’ The company are clearly in breach of their own human rights policy by failing to engage in collective bargaining with SIPTU and its members. There has been serious escalations in Trade Union activity due to the blocking of unionising rights for workers in both the Ballina Breweries and in the UK. On the 12th of March, National Union of Students in the UK (NUS UK) wrote to […]
[…]and those responsible must now ensure that it is our most vulnerable who are the first to see the fruits of our recovery. No party who has served in government in the last generation can abdicate responsibility for the situation we are now in. However young people and students are not interested in political point scoring and the tit-for-tat remarks that dominate our political conversations. Young people want candidates and political parties to demonstrate kind of leadership that befits the positions they seek and to map out a clear path to strong, sustainable future. The Union of Students in Ireland […]
[…]push the best and brightest to emigrate. USI fears graduates would be pushed out of the housing market as evidence from New Zealand shows that 51% of banks that received applications from clients with student debt had indicated that student loans were the contributing factor in rejecting finance – with 34% of those likely to be rejected being mortgages. USI is campaigning for the Government to rule out any possible introduction of an income contingent loan scheme in Budget 2018, and to reduce the Student Contribution Charge by a minimum of €250. The union is also calling for an increase […]
[…]yourself in the opening lines – tell them what your connection to them is e.g. ‘I live in x in your constituency’ or ‘I’m currently studying at X College in your local constituency’. Provide further context e.g. if you’re part of community groups or sports clubs, your family works in the community etc. Representatives are elected to represent their local constituency so all of this information helps to grab their attention. Explain why you’re contacting them – ‘I’m a student nurse currently on placement in X. The decision by the Government not to provide financial support to me and my peers is having a massive impact on […]
[…]‘Student Switch Off’ campaign will incorporate national-level partnerships with smart meter delivery agencies to show the benefits of smart meters and saving energy. The ‘Student Switch Off’ campaign will provide ongoing advice and support to students via energy-efficiency and bill management training, peer-to-peer advice sharing via video blogs and regular e-mail and social media communications. DCU, Maynooth University, NUI Galway and UCC are the four Irish universities taking part in the first year of the campaign. USI is the national representative body for the 374,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland. USI works to improve and […]
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[…]the continuation of the National Student Accommodation Strategy policy of relying on the private market. There are quite a number of reviews and examinations related to the higher education sector detailed in the programme and the USI strongly believes that these need to be undertaken with urgency, and all relevant stakeholders including students, staff and student representatives included in the discussions such as the review of the Back to Education Allowance to ensure it can help those unemployed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lack of detail is again seen in the commitment to “ensure that mental health supports are […]
[…]those things that inspire you and responding to the challenges you meet from critics and the marketplace.” The Student Summit will also be held by the Union of Students in Ireland on the 4th February in Dublin Castle with 600 students to launch 40+ start up jobs for students with the most cutting edge start ups in Ireland today; 20+ development workshops for young entrepreneurs; along with the student summit start up pitch which is putting the finest student start ups head-to-head for a cash prize of €1,500, working office space and mentoring with Enterprise Ireland. The official hashtag for […]
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[…]to avail of a free labour pool of unemployed workers desperate to get a foothold within the labour market. This abuse must cease, everyone deserves to be paid for their labour and we are calling on the government to phase out the scheme. Mandate Youth spokesperson, David Gibney said: “The JobBridge scheme is a direct attack on the concept of decent work. Many companies are abusing the system and undermining existing terms and conditions of employment in both their own company and their competitors. “When one employer receives free labour others must compete by either seeking the same free labour […]
[…]consent a crime via sections 50-53 of the Justice Act, Northern Ireland 2016. Students who live or study on both sides of the boarder should have the same protections under law. What can I do? Email members of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice before the debate on the 1st of December. We would encourage you to tell them why you wish to see this Bill progressed. You can refer speak about why you think it is important. Here are some other points that you can include: Introduce yourself, tell them your name and if you happen to live in their Constituency be sure […]
[…]million in total emigrated since the recession began the majority of them young. Asking people to live on €100 per week until they are 24 is a kick in the teeth to a generation that is already struggling with joblessness, emigration, fee hikes, unpaid internships and other problems. The banking levy already amounts to an €850 million rebate to the banks compared with the lending guarantee it replaces. We propose an increase of €32 million to the levy – or 3.75% of the value of that rebate – to reverse these cuts. It’s time that young people were seen as […]
[…]“As home is in Donegal, there is a rough distance of 250km between the college and where I live and work on the weekends. I also suffer from Crohn’s Disease and must get a form of treatment done every 8 weeks in the Letterkenny hospital near home and this requires me to miss college. It is both expensive and timely to travel home every weekend, in order to earn some cash, that half of it goes back into petrol to make the journey back on a Sunday night. Half my weekly wage goes into earning the other half and it […]
[…]“As home is in Donegal, there is a rough distance of 250km between the college and where I live and work on the weekends. I also suffer from Crohn’s Disease and must get a form of treatment done every 8 weeks in the Letterkenny hospital near home and this requires me to miss college. It is both expensive and timely to travel home every weekend, in order to earn some cash, that half of it goes back into petrol to make the journey back on a Sunday night. Half my weekly wage goes into earning the other half and it […]
[…]the threatened increases to fees and cuts to the grant. Quick Statistics Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said that families will have to pay €3,000 in fees per student every year by 2015. By the end of Quinn’s tenure, he will have increased fees by €1,000 despite pledging to oppose any increases. This constitutes the largest increase to fees made by a Minister for Education since fees were abolished in 1996. Since Budget 2010, the maintenance grant has been cut by 11%. The average weekly rate of the maintenance grant is now €84, yet the absolute minimum the State […]
[…]houses are up to scratch and up to standard so that when students are going through their academic lives in a safe environment.” SSE Airtricity Managing Director, Klair Neenan said: “SSE Airtricity is delighted to partner with the Union of Students in Ireland to launch the 21 Day Challenge. Over the next three weeks, we hope students around Ireland will see the benefits of making more sustainable choices and saving energy. At SSE Airtricity, we believe this is Generation Green. Making small changes to our daily lives, like how we make a cup of tea, can make a big […]
[…]there are many ways to build better green habits for the future. Speaking at the launch Minister Bruton said: “Thinking fast often leads us to miss smart choices. This campaign asks us to stop and think. Small changes in our habits can make a big difference. This does not alter the obligation on government to lead on some vital big choices, like the sort of infrastructure we build. The government published the Climate Action Plan earlier this year, which sets out actions across every sector, such as a commitment to 70% renewable energy and a new model for retrofitting our […]
[…]is situated, what activities and facilities are available and will you need to commute or live in student accommodation. How long does it take to complete a course? The length of a course can vary, depending on how and where it is offered. For example, distance education can be structured quite differently to a full-time course on campus. In general, however, a higher certificate course requires two years of full-time study; an ordinary bachelor degree three years; and an honours bachelor degree three or more years. Part-time Study Part-time study in higher education is the only realistic option for many people. This route generally takes […]
[…]another example of the obstacles they and many young people face before fully entering the labour market. Clearly, gaining gaining quality experience in the workplace is something that must be supported, but not at the risk to student learning and health, as indicated by the report. “Congress supports this new collaboration in education, which will help to improve student conditions whilst recognising and striving for improvement in working conditions for all young workers. We will continue to work with the student movement and all affiliate unions to ensure that students and young workers can avail of quality opportunities and decent […]
[…]of rogue landlords taking advantage of the Irish accommodation crisis. Students’ Unions are overrun with casework on accommodation. Issues they are facing include the lack of student accommodation, and that the accommodation that is available is too expensive for the average student to afford. We are sick of telling the Government that they are leaving students to couch surf or indeed live homeless – this issue has been going on far too long and needs resolution immediately. This is no longer an urban issue. We are seeing rental price hikes from Carlow to Sligo and everywhere in-between. Students need protection, […]
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[…]of the drugs they are taking. There is information, support and help available through www.drugs.ie or the Drugs Helpline.” The campaign was launched by Minister Catherine Byrne in the Institute of Technology Tallaght and is the first step of an ongoing campaign to provide harm reduction information for students. HSE Drug/Alcohol helpline Freephone: 1800 459 459 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday Email support: helpline@hse.ie *New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are a range of drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD. Manufacturers of these drugs develop new chemicals to replace those […]
[…]of €1.3mn for Killybegs (run by LYIT); €2mn at Castlebar and €700,000 at Letterfrack (run by GMIT); and €1mn at the National Maritime College (run by CIT). These deficits make a major contribution to the overall deficit position of these institutes. USI ask that the increase in funding be allocated to protect these campuses. Costing: €17m per €250 reduction per annum Responsibility: Department of […]
[…]We want to make sure that it’s a safer, fairer and more compassionate place for everyone to live” This week, USI announced that Students’ Unions all over Ireland have directly registered 26,979 new student voters in the in the lead up to the referendum to remove the Eighth Amendment. USI is the national representative body for the 374,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland, and is a member of the national civil society campaign, Together For Yes. For more information, visit […]
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[…]problematic, as it will force third level institutions to become subservient to the needs of the market instead of focusing on social needs and challenges. Funding should be curiosity-driven and not driven by immediate economic gains. The objects of the Bill should be to add excellence in research in all its forms and across all career stages, spanning applied research that includes discovery, blue-skies research and critical and theoretical scholarship, as well as applied research. We need a system that allows all stakeholders to come together across STEM subjects, the humanities, arts and social sciences, to drive a research ecosystem […]
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[…]hour contracts and for a living wage to be introduced in this country so that people can work to live as opposed to work to survive. USI will continue to work with trade unions and organisations that have similar values to achieve our collective goals. USI has turned a corner and it is my intention to assert the student voice at the forefront of social justice and social change. We have a proud history on campaigning for equality and we cannot afford to be an insular organisation. We will continue to take a holistic approach in how we represent our […]
[…]morning lectures. Examples of which are high fibre varieties of cereals and breads, a glass of fruit juice, include lots of fruit with bread/cereal and use low fat milks for your cereal or cup of tea/coffee. 2. Try to eat 3 varied meals a day – fuelling your body with a variety of nutrients will give you plenty of energy to stay awake in class, study for exams and spend time with friends. Use the food pyramid for guidance and ideas. 3. Bring a packed lunch with you to college as this saves you money. 4. Keep treats as treats […]
[…]with us. Next up is young tech savvy entrepreneur Richard Whelan: Popdeem Popdeem is a social marketing platform that allows brands to reward their customers for sharing local experiences. The system allows marketers to identify and activate their most influential customers to spark peer-to-peer conversation and drive word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing. Brands can avail of their own custom branded social rewards app or integrate Popdeem into existing apps using the Popdeem Mobile SDK. In 2013, Popdeem launched their own local rewards app with 15 local businesses in Dublin. The company was founded by Richard Whelan (CEO) and Gavin Hayes (COO) and […]
[…]Campaign, it must be done through USI, who are registered. Congress mandates USI Officer Board: To run a Voter Registration Campaign every September/October, to provide help to CO’s running Voter Registration Campaigns, to make officers available on the ground to COs, and to approve all CO information etc for any Voter Registration Campaign. 11 NA 3 An Ghaeilge don Ardteistiméireacht Aithníonn an chomhdháil: Go bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar ábhar éigeantach don Ardteistiméireacht faoi láthair Aithníonn an chomhdháil ar lean: Go bhfuil roinnt fadhbanna ann leis an curaclam mar atá sé agus roinnt moltaí ar conas gur féidir linn é a […]
[…]on both sides of the argument, want this opportunity. The can of worms has been well and truly opened. Abortion is an issue that is not going to go away. In recent times we have had Savita Halappanaver, a woman who,lost her life due to blood poisoning potentially caused by a miscarriage and a refusal by the doctors to carry out an abortion as requested. And Ms Y, a young migrant woman, who came to Ireland after being raped in her home country, and despite the fact she was found to suicidal and thus allowed to access an abortion […]
[…]students alike, as Britain becomes a much less attractive place. Therein lies the problem, the market approach to education. Competition among our Universities and Institutes. Competition between Ireland and other EU members. An increasingly marketised view of education, where the shiniest prospectus and an overtly touristic sales pitch are aimed at attracting the international student as Britain shuts it doors. So, let this be a word of caution to Government and to Higher Education Institutions: international students are not a sport. They are not for exploitation. The value of internationalising our education lies in diversity, in cultural exchange and the […]
The Union of Students in Ireland is now recruiting two staff to join its Dublin-based operation. Applying Candidates should apply by forwarding a CV and a letter stating the title of the role applied for and outlining your suitability for the role (with adherence to the tasks and criteria) to arrive by 1pm on Friday 2nd June 2017, to: The Recruitment Officer The Union of Students in Ireland Portview House Thorncastle Street Ringsend Dublin 4 Or by email to info@usi.ie. The subject line should state your name and the reference code for the job. The Roles are: Public Relations Executive […]
[…]often engage in drug use, and at the very least will be exposed to drug use at some point in their lives. Drug use cannot be tackled by policy measures which are only aimed at controlling the supply of drugs. It is futile to only have supply reduction strategies in place of more cost-effective and evidence based investments in harm- reduction and education. Congress Mandates The Coiste Gnó to lobby for the decriminalisation of drugs in line with the Portuguese Model. USI Coiste Gnó should also lobby for investment into treatment and health facilities along with education about drug use […]
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[…]maximum price should be set for the Morning After Pill, so that women are aware of how much the drug will cost them irrespective of where they live. Congress therefore mandates: The VP Welfare to engage with other groups who are campaigning for maximum pricing for emergency contraception, including the Real Productive Health campaign, with the aim of setting a national maximum price for emergency contraception. 14 WEL 14 CONTINUITY OF THE HEAR ACCESS PROGRAMME Congress notes: The continued excellent work of the Access Service within third level higher education. Through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), the Access […]
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[…]for Equality & Citizenship in association with the USI Executive Team to take lead in running a Sustainability Festival that will target the Sustainable Development Goals as the primary point of focus for educating on the event. Congress Further Mandates: That the event ran, explores options to set a standard in sustainability and running events sustainably, targeting 0-waste as a benchmark. 2021 CZN 3 The Hostile Environment and Higher Education Proposed By Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union Aontas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Banríona Congress recognises: The UK’s hostile environment policy, formed through a number of discriminatory immigration laws, means […]
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