The University Times www.universitytimes.ie
October 14th, 2009
Trinity 43rd in the World News p3
Peace prize too soon or just in time Opinion p16
Are Guinness the kings of marketing? Features p7
Fees off the table for now ■ The new Programme for Government says there will be no student contribution. ■ Students’ Union President ‘delighted with this result’. Marykate Collins Deputy Editor The proposed re-introduction of third level fees has been blocked as of Friday last. At a meeting which took place on the night of Friday 9th october in Leinster House, the Green Party opposed Fianna Fail’s plans for fees and stated that fees would not be introduced during the lifetime of this government. In the renewed Programme for Government which was revealed to the public on that day, the Green party stated that they are ‘Conscious of the economic pressures on parents today, this Government will not proceed with any new scheme of student contribution for Third Level education.’ The Government Program, agreed to after nine days and nights of negotiations between the coalition parties, does promise to deliver key Green Party goals, including hiring more teachers and
reforming politicians’ fundraising and expenses. However the most relevant to students is that of fees. Minister for Energy and Communications Eamon Ryan stated that; “More than anything else, we were right to say that even in difficult circumstances that it was important that we hold the line on this because it is right.” Trinity SU President Conan O’Broin sees this a great and long overdue victory, it is the culmination of months spent tirelessly hounding the government, and he is relieved and to see it finally pay off. Union of students of Ireland Hugh Sullivan stated that “USI is obviously delighted, it’s been the principle goal for over eighteen months. We’re keen to hold the Greens to account and insist that they keep their promises for the next two and a half years if they last that long. The USI Officer Board now want to focus on addressing issues like the
registration fee and the rubbish grant system. I’m personally determined to make sure that members get their 5 euro worth in wins and representation like this for the rest of the year.” The following day, Saturday the 10th, the Green party held their special convention at the RDS. Over 600 members of the party had the opportunity to vote on whether or not to accept the new Programme for Government. To be passed the Programme needed to have a two third majority in favour. It passed overwhelmingly with 84%, preventing the collapse of the governemnt. This was announced shortly before 7pm by Chairman of the Green Party Dan Boyle. Leader of the Green Party John Gormley described this as “an overwhelming endorsement of the party and the Programme for Government.”
Young Greens celebrating the passing of the new Programme for Governement. Photo: Green Party
Bess tests during Dean objects to stem cell research reading week Megan Brennan News Writer Ita O’Sullivan News Writer The College’s policy on embryonic stem cell research was discussed in a meeting of University Council on the September 30. The draft policy on Good Research Practice was brought before Council. The document contained a section explaining Trinity’s policy on the use of embryonic stem cells. The College says ‘this policy serves to restrict human
embryonic research in TCD to the use of pre-existing hES cell lines with such research being “confined to cell culture or involve routine and standard research practice.’” At the meeting an objection was raised by a senior academic, the Dean of Students Prof. Gerry Whyte. He felt that stem cell research ‘takes a utilitarian approach to the right to life.’ There was a discussion at the Council and a vote was called for on the issue. Votes
are rarely used at College meetings so in order to avoid one the Provost asked that the policy be accepted but noting the dissention to the stem cell section of the document. University College Cork (UCC) was the first university in Ireland to allow the use of embryonic stem cells. Their use was approved by their board in 2008 by a 16-15 vote. Prof. Gerry Whyte Dean of Students
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It has been revealed that Bess students will have mid term ‘tests’ during their reading weeks this year. Bess and other students taking Bess
related modules, such as some Msiss sutdents, will be amongst the only undergraduate students in Trinity subjected to these tests. These tests are contrary to reccomendations by the University Council of Feburary
Editor: Robert Donohoe Deputy Editor: Marykate Collins Volume 1, Issue 2 ISSN: 2009-261X Phone: 01 646 8431 Email: info@universitytimes.ie Website: www.universitytimes.ie
11th of last year, which reccomended that all examinations be confined to the designated periods at the end of term and supplemential exam times. ‘Reading’ or ‘Study’ weeks, as advised by the council should
This newspaper is produced with the financial support of Trinity College Students’ Union. It is set in 9pt Utopia and Whitney – a classic newspaper typeface and a modernist sans serif respectively. It was printed by Mortons Print Ltd.
be seen as an opportunity for students to catch up on material that they have missed out on and not as an opportunity for departments to conduct exams. Continued on page 2
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