A “Students Against Fees” meeting tonight committed to holding two separate rallies against fees in the coming weeks, with the aim of uniting students from across the country in opposition against fees.
The meeting, which was organised by fourth-year classics student Oisín Coulter was attended by both Trinity and non-Trinity students, and discussed the best way to oppose the introduction of student fees. A number of Union of Students in Ireland (USI) officers also attended the meeting.
A rally is planned for February 3rd, and will be held in conjunction with the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI). A second rally is planned for the end of February, around the expected time of the general election.
The “Students Against Fees” group also work with Trinity College Students’ Union (TCDSU) to print flyers and promote the opposition of students to fees.
Kevin Donoghue, President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) attended the meeting. Speaking during the discussion, he warned against the dangers of two separate campaigns: “There is a real risk that if we all pick up a baton and run in different directions, we only weaken ourselves and weaken our message”.
Speaking to The University Times after the meeting, Donoghue emphasised the importance of opposition groups like “Students Against Fees”: “The crucial factor in any campaign is the grassroots aspect of it”, adding that he hopes “we can replicate this in other universities and colleges”.
President of Trinity College Dublin Students Union (TCDSU), Lynn Ruane, attended the meeting and emphasised that the work of USI and “Students Against Fees” can “both work well together”. She also expressed support for more affirmative action on behalf of “Students Against Fees”.
Speaking to The University Times on how the group hopes to progress, Coulter said: “I think that in the future, it will hopefully become a national movement, one that can put student issues on the national agenda.”
In December, TCDSU Council passed a motion to oppose the introduction of student fees. The motion, brought by those involved in the “Students Against Fees” group, called on the union to “oppose any increase in fees or student contribution fees for any section of the student body, and the student body as a whole”.
The group was established following the failure of a motion opposing the introduction of government-supported loans at November’s TCDSU Council.
In December, The University Times revealed that the government working group on higher education funding is to recommend a package that would include an income-contingent loan scheme in conjunction with a €1000 increase in the student contribution charge. Additionally, SUSI would cease to pay the charge for students – forcing all students to pay up front or take out a loan for the €4000 fee – but would pay increased living costs, known as maintenance, to eligible students.
Students who attended from other universities, including Maynooth University, University College Dublin and Dublin City University, encouraged “Students Against Fees” to come to their universities and share their experiences with their students’ unions
