The Story So Far…
GENERAL ELECTION 2011 - THE PROMISES
In 1996 the ‘Free Fees’ Scheme was introduced along with a Registration Fee of 190 pounds to pay for Student Services like medical centres, counsellors, societies etc.
Before the election Labour Party Education Spokesperson Ruairí Quinn and Party Leader Eamon Gilmore signed the student pledge, committing their party to opposing and campaigning against any further increase in the Student Contribution, and opposing “any and all cuts” to the Higher Level Maintenance Grant.
Over the past 15 years the Registration Fee increased 13 times. Last December the Registration Fee was abolished and replaced with a 2,000 euro Student Contribution. The Higher Education Grant has been cut by 8.8% since the recession began, and some students have had their grant cut by 60% due to changes in criteria for the non-adjacent rate.
Fine Gael also said in their manifesto “We will not increase the student registration fee further” During October 2011 USI contacted every Government TD and asked them to state that they would stand over what they had promised… NOT ONE TD STATED THAT THEY WOULD KEEP THEIR PROMISES
Quinn’s broken promise
Ruairi Quinn signs USI pledge on behalf of the Labour Party, promising not to increase Fees or Cut Higher Education Grants prior to General Election 2011.
The Government: Their Plans
out of college, dictating their live chances based purely on their parents income.
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WHAT’S THE EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY AND THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE? The current students will be responsible for driving the smart economy and Ireland’s economic recovery. The current students will pay the pensions of the current politicians and workers. Any changes to education in this budget will have on society into the next generation
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No loan scheme for fees No graduate tax or differed payments No means testing (apart from grant) No increase in grant scheme Just increasing upfront fees
Both Fine Gael and Labour TDs are comparing the size of the Student Contribution Charge to the level of fees in England, and refusing to commit to protecting current grant levels. They are also failing to recognise the loans for fees and maintenance loans that prevent sectoral discrimination based on parental income. Instead our government would force a student
WHY WE NEED YOU The theory of this issue is very complicated. The reality of the situation is much simpler, it is up to you to make the decisions
makers aware what affect their decisions will make. Too many ill informed decisions have crippled economies across the world, do not let this government make another one. If they aren’t coming to find the information then give it to them, then make them pay attention on November 16th. Without telling your story, you’re just a number. A number that can be cut without having to worry about the consequences. With your story, you a person, a student, who will be the lifeblood of the country in a few years, your story will make TDs sit up and take notice. It’s the only thing that ever has. But please, don’t worry; KEEP CALM AND CALL YOUR TD
HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN (1) CALL YOUR TD AND TELL THEM HOW YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL BE AFFECTED. (2) GO TO WWW.STOPFEES.IE TO EMAIL AND TWEET YOUR TD’S. (3) SIGN A LETTER THAT AT THE SU STAND THAT WILL BE SENT TO YOUR TD. (4) VISIT YOUR TD’S CONSTITUENCY CLINIC. (5) CONTACT YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION/NEWSPAPER AND TELL THEM HOW YOU WILL BE AFFECTED. (6) ATTEND THE ‘STOP FEES, SAVE THE GRANT’ NATIONAL PROTEST ON NOVEMBER 16TH. BRING YOUR TENT FOR THE POST-MARCH SLEEP OUT!
RALLY BEFORE PROTEST NOV 16 / FRONT SQ / 12.30PM
BRING A TENT FOR THE POST-MARCH SLEEP OUT!