WHAT IT MEANS FOR ME:ALAN REGAN Student
THERE WAS very little in yesterday’s plan to give hope to Ireland’s young people, says Alan Regan (21). From Carlow, Alan is in the third year of a degree in journalism in DCU.
“The old-age pension was preserved, while the commitments of the Croke Park agreement for workers were honoured.
“At the end of the day, like other people my age, Im going to be going out into the workforce looking for a job next year. We’re very concerned about the future.”
The main issue for students is the increase in the student registration charge, he says.
“Not only was it increased by a third to €2,000, but the document no longer even refers to the charge as a registration fee.
“Instead, it says that students will contribute to the costs of higher education. It now really is a case of fees through the back door.”
The additional strain on students and their families is compounded by the fact that students who work part- time will probably see a euro hit in their hourly rate of pay, due to the reduction in the minimum wage.
Student grants will also be reduced.
Also of concern to Alan is the lack of a jobs strategy.
“It seems unfair that any one who is lucky enough to get a job in the public service will be entering on a pay level 10 per cent lower than their colleagues,” he says.
“In addition, there seems to be no strategy to help create jobs in the private sector.
“The plan talks about investment in education and creating jobs, but I don’t see any evidence of that.
