Labour Youth is calling on students in UCD, DCU and NUI Maynooth to vote in favour of affiliation to the Union of Students in Ireland.

National Chairperson of Labour Youth, Aideen Carberry, said: “It is now more important than ever that students remain united in the fight to retain vital services for students. In recent times we have seen an attack on the education sector and the supports that keep students in college have been in the firing line. A strong, and united, national student movement is the only way that students will have a say in protecting their interests.”

“USI is not a perfect institution, but the way forward is for students to demand more of their local and national officers. Students should be active in their local union and ensure officers are affectively campaigning for their welfare. The answer is not disaffiliation. A weak national students’ movement will only leave the education sector open to attacks from government and private interests.”

“There is a misconception that USI has done nothing or achieved anything in recent times. However, that is simply not the case. USI was a leading voice in campaigning for the right to information on abortion, on supporting Ms. X when the case first came in to the public eye; and has mobilised thousands of students in the name of free third level education. More could be achieved if students were to actively participate in their local and national union, instead of working to dismantle it.”

UCD students will vote on USI affiliation on Monday the 25^th and Tuesday 26^{th of} February, DCU will vote on Tuesday 26^th and Wednesday the 27^th and NUI Maynooth will vote on Wednesday the 27^th. Labour Youth branches in these colleges have been active in getting out the ‘Yes’ vote.