DkIT Students Union at Dail for USI budget
DKIT Students Union and USI representatives took their campaign over the Budget 2018 document all the way to Dail Eireann last week.
Incoming DKIT Student Union President Pauraic Reneghan, Vice President Aaron Geagan and USI President Michael Kerrigan outlined the concerns facing students, their families and the third level sector. DKIT Student’s union raised particular concerns around the increasing demand for student supports, a need for proper investment in mental health services, and the likely impact of proposed student loans. The impact of governments decision to cut the under 26’s rate of Jobseekers was also noted as significant difficulty for many local students.
The delegation met with Louth TD Gerry Adams who said: ‘It was very useful to meet with Pauraic, Aaron and Michael to discuss the USI proposals ahead of the upcoming 2018 budget and to get a deeper understanding of the particular difficulties facing students attending DKIT.’
He added: ‘Education has suffered hugely as a result of significant underinvestment and harsh cutbacks in recent years. The Cassells report showed the extent to which this has jeopardised the education of our students.’
‘DKIT Student Union outlined the impact that current maintenance grants levels are having on students and families, as well as the huge need for government to make serious investment in mental health services. These issues are hugely important and I look forward to working with Pauraic and Aaron to ensure their voices are heard by government.’