what can you do?
Visit www.usi.ie for more information about the stand up campaign: HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TDS AND TELL THEM TO PUBLICLY OPPOSE FEE HIKES AND GRANT CUTS how to share the campaign with your friends and colleagues when a regional protest might be in your area
be counted This campaign is organised by the Union of Students in Ireland. USI is the national representative body for over 250,000 students in third level education in Ireland. We are a membership organisation – our members are our affiliated Students’ Unions around Ireland, North and South. USI fights to protect and strives to enhance the student experience.
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parents and famiLies bear the brunt of the goVernment’s betrayaL Since this recession began, the average disposable income for Irish families has plummeted to just over €22,000 and the unemployment rate stands at close to 15%. Income tax increases, pension levies, the household charge and benefit cuts have hit families hard. When Ruairi Quinn signed a pledge not to increase fees and to protect a grant, many families with children in or about to enter third level education drew some comfort from the promise that college would not become more expensive. Instead, fees rose by €250 and will continue to rise until they reach €3,000. The maintenance grant has been
cut by 12% and families living less than 45km from college no longer qualify for the non-adjacent rate. The cost of participating in third level education in Ireland is over €10,500 per annum for students living away from home. If the Government continues to target students, it will increase dramatically. For parents with one child in college, this may be affordable. For parents with two or more children in college, it may mean a return to the days when a family had to choose which child would be given the chance to get a third level education and pursue their ambition to its highest level.
are you fed up yet? As parents and constituents, you have huge influence over your local politicians. Stand up and let them know that if they target you or your children anymore, you’ll ensure that they won’t win re-election.
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coLLege fee increases
and what about your town? Colleges are an integral part of local economies.
€150
1996
The thousands of students who populate college towns sustain business both large and small. Landlords, shop owners and other business proprietors rely on these students to maintain a viable turnover.
1997
€317
1998
€330
1999
€353
2000
€371
2001
€396
If government continues to target students for fee increases and grant cuts then the local economy and local businesses will suffer.
€670
2002 2004
€750
2005
€775
2006
€800
2007
€825
your town wiLL suffer As students have less and less disposable income, the businesses that once relied on them for regular custom will see a steep drop in revenue. In these hard times, local businesses may not be able to absorb such a loss.
€900
2008
Your town will be a worse place if students continue to be seen as a soft target by the Government. Some will drop out of college and return home. Some will simply keep their heads down and try to get by as best they can.
€1,500
2009
€2,000
2011
€2,250
2012
€2,500
2013
€2,750
2014
€3,000
2015 €0
€750
€1500
€2250
€3000
fees set to increase by €250 per year to €3,000 in 2015
fed up with this? Then Stand Up and fight for your town. Stand Up to the TDs who courted your vote before the election and who promised a renewal of the local economy. Tell them how important students are to the local economy and to your town.
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