I want students to know I listen to their concerns – we must help our future leaders, educators and politicians
THOUSANDS of students across the country today walked out of lectures as part of a protest about the rising cost of living.
Crowds gathered in college campuses at 11.11am in a bid to highlight the risk of students dropping out of college due to financial pressures.
The Union of Students Ireland called for the abolishment of student fees and increased funding for the higher education sector.
One of the key issues for students at the protests was the cost of student accommodation with chants of: “A grand for a gaff, are you having a laugh.”
Meanwhile, the Government today launched their new plan to crackdown on sexual violence in colleges which will see harassment prevention and response managers hired in colleges.
Writing below, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris addresses the cost of living and accommodation concerns of students and outlines the Government plan to tackle sexual violence on campuses.
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We are at a crucial point in Irish society where there is zero tolerance for sexual violence and harassment.
It has always been my belief that the third level sector can be a leader in this change.
We are in the almost unique position where we have the future in our hands.
The third level sector has the power to ensure that the next generation of leaders are equipped with the knowledge and the ability to ensure our young people are safe from these behaviours.
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When I was appointed as Minister for Further and Higher Education one of the first meetings I had was on this subject.
At that point, it was clear our higher education system had the ambition to create campus cultures which are safe, respectful and supportive for all staff and students.
However, it needed the resources to do so.
Over the past two years we have done a lot together.
Consent workshops, the development of the anonymous reporting and support tool and the Bystander intervention programme have become common parts of the campus culture.
SEX VIOLENCE & HARASSMENT
Today we take another step forward. We have allocated €1.5 million to establish dedicated posts to drive reform in our higher education institutions.
We will hire 17 Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Managers in our colleges to make sure they are a safe place for our young people.
They will be tasked with rolling out adequate training for staff and students, and ensuring there are appropriate supports in place if and when such instances occur.
In addition, we are providing funding to students to run campaigns on drug and alcohol prevention.
Because we know most of these instances happen when alcohol and drugs are involved.
This will be an award of €100,000 each year over the next three years to fund these campaigns, which will be led by students.
Because peer-to-peer learning is essential.
NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
The next generation of leaders, educators, politicians and advocates, currently walk the campuses of our colleges.
We have the opportunity now to change cultures and attitudes which will ensure that the next generation do not face the same challenges we face today.
Together we can create a new cultural norm in this country - one which is about equality for women and men, respect, dignity, safety and the freedom to live our lives, without fear.
I am conscious too that students gathered today to outline their concerns at the cost of living crisis.
Students are facing significant cost of living challenges.
We have taken a number of steps to try help in recent weeks.
College fees have been reduced by €1,000 – the first time in 27 years.
Over 90,000 students will benefit from that change.
All students who receive a grant will receive a double payment this year and their grants will increase by 10 per cent from January.
We have increased the Student Assistance Fund – a fund to help students with the cost of rent, childcare, materials etc.
It is discretionary and can be used by anyone.
BUDGET RELIEF
Anyone who is renting will receive a tax credit too of €500 per year.
Students will start to feel those changes over the coming weeks.
We are also making important changes to increase the supply of accommodation too.
Because we know being near or close to campus is essential to a person’s education and their wellbeing.
The digs system has worked for a lot of people over the years and it continues to assist students across the country today.
But we need to break the cycle too and increase the supply of student accommodation.
Later this month, I will be bringing proposals to Government to use taxpayers’ money to assist colleges with the construction of accommodation.
There will be a rub in it though. Colleges will have to assist with affordability.
And to be fair, colleges are up for that. That will make some time to do.
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But it is essential if we can address these problems for our third level population.
I want students – and their families - to know I have listened to their concerns and I am determined to continue to make more changes to help them.