The newly formed coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and independent TDs recently published their Programme for Government: a 162 page document of plans and promises for their upcoming term in office.
Chris Clifford, President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) welcomed the government’s dedication to the Second Chance policy and the increase in maintenance grants. However, he condemned the government’s seemingly unchanged position on housing, mental health and cost of education. Clifford highlighted that “many students continue to face the same challenges they have for years, and more urgent, concrete action is needed”.
The student accommodation crisis is a rampant barrier to education in Ireland, making the government’s lack of initiative and action in this area seem frustratingly ignorant and neglectful. As stipulated in the Programme for Government, a multi-annual plan for the improvement of student housing will be undertaken – however for such an urgent crisis, more immediate measures are needed. The USI condemned the government’s lack of action on the matter. “Too many students are living in insecure, inadequate housing situations, and it’s simply not sustainable,” Clifford said.
In terms of student mental health support, there lacks any actionable commitment to increase services and availability of resources. The government has recognised mental health as a priority – however, no actions have been pledged to materialise this recognition into something tangible and beneficial to students. Chris Clifford stated that, “we need increased funding for on-campus services, more accessible care, and long-term strategies that address mental health issues before they become crises.”
In relation to financial support, the USI expressed its approval of the government’s intentions to increase maintenance grants, reform SUSI and examine the introduction of placement grants for students completing mandatory placements. An unspecified annual reduction to the Student Contribution Fee is mentioned in the Programme. The USI is advocating for a clearer and more significant reduction to this fee due to the immense financial burden it poses to many students. Clifford added that “it’s important that the government moves forward with a clear plan to significantly reduce these fees in a way that is sustainable for students and the state”.
Despite these shortcomings, the government has pledged to continue funding the Student Assistance Fund and expanding apprenticeship opportunities. The government will introduce the Second Chance initiative, which will allow students who change courses or repeat a year to access the Free Fees Initiative without additional costs. CAO reform is another area of the USI’s advocacy that has been undertaken by the new government. On advice from the USI, a website detailing comprehensive information on available third level pathways will be created to ensure equal access to knowledge for all students, regardless of their location.
“USI has committed to continuing its advocacy for greater support for students in the upcoming months and will continue to work with the government to ensure that education remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all students,” Clifford said.
