Sir, The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) takes this opportunity to express grave concern at the comments by the Tanaiste, Dick Spring, at the recent Labour Party conference. Mr Spring was speaking in the context of his proposal for a social charter and stated that his ambition was to see that no young person under 21 years will be on the dole.
This statement was made without any detailed funding commitments. Furthermore, USI believes that if the Labour Party is committed to equality of access in further education and training, it should make a complete overhaul of the third level maintenance grant system before the general election. This is a priority, as under the present Labour Education Minister only three per cent of students in third level are from disadvantaged backgrounds. This inequity in the system must be tackled at ground level.
USI condemns the reference made by the Tanaiste in the same speech, that "there would be no room for those who would rather steal cars and draw the dole and no sympathy for those who choose to opt out". We believe this to be a huge and insensitive generalisation. Few students or young people choose to opt out, and such remarks lead to increased stigmatisation of certain sectors of the population.
While we regard the commitment of the Labour Party to increased spending on education and training as welcome news, we are alarmed at the fashion in which these plans were presented. The lack of a clear strategic plan leaves Labour's commitment up for question.
Finally, we are of the opinion that the pronouncements of all political parties have lacked detail and real commitment. USI will be vigilant in ensuring that the politicians come forward with serious proposals to redress the problems in the education and training system, and with a promise to ensure that any form of social charter affecting young people should be discussed and decided by all social partners, USI and young people themselves. - Yours, etc.,
USI president,
1-2 Aston Place, Temple Bar,
Dublin 2.