COLLEGE TRIBUNE Volume XXVI
Issue 5
6th November 2012
Independent Student Media Since 1989
ORLA PRICE TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE ISSUES UNDERLYING THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS REFERENDUM
collegetribune.ie
INSIDE
Page 7
Blunders and lies James Grannell News Editor
A
number of Fianna Fáil TDs 1,800 individuals. “It is clear that have spoken out against the the new centralised grant applicaMinister for Education and tion system (SUSI) is riddled with Skills Mr Ruairi Quinn’s handling problems,” stated Smith. of the crisis surrounding the new “As we head into the Christmas grants system, SUSI. period there are 1,879 Cavan and Among those who have voiced Monaghan students, as well as tens their anger with the Minister are of thousands across the country, the Fianna Fáil spokesperson for who are still waiting for their grants Education, Charlie McConalogue, to be processed by this ‘quick and along with Deputy Brendan Smith, easy’ system. For many of them, TD for Cavan and Monaghan. the delays are preventing them “Minister Quinn launched the from registering fully at college and new SUSI system amid great fan- accessing library and computer serfare in June saying the process will vices. Some have been asked to pay be ‘quick and easy’ and it will stop the €2,250 third level registration students waiting for ‘lengthy peri- fee up front until their grants come ods of time and facing undue hard- through. Others who are in receipt ship as a result of delays’. However of the Back to Education allowance the reality for students is far from have been issued letters saying they what was promised,” said Deputy will be cut off by November 6th McConalogue. unless they can show proof of colHe went on to state: “Minister lege registration, which they are Quinn was quick to accept praise prevented from doing until they rewhen SUSI was launched. But now ceive their grant. that the grant application system is “These are students who bein crisis, he is nowhere to be seen. cause of their personal situation These students need an explana- need state support to go to college. tion from the Minister and some It is disgraceful that it is now Noassurance about what is being done vember and so many of them still to rectify the situation.” have no idea when and if they will Deputy Smith pointed out that receive their grant,” said Smith. in his own constituency, 8 out of Deputy Smith, who has been a A Mac is powerful, reliable and easy to use. every 10 students who applied for TD since 1992, has previously railed So it’s perfect for university. Come into Compu b the grant are still awaiting confirand get a great start to the academic year. mation. This amounts to more than Continued on page 3
Above: UCD students sign petition to renew Sunday library service
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