On the 17th of November, UCD Students’ Union council convened for its final meeting of this semester.
On the 17th of November, UCD Students’ Union council convened for its final meeting of this semester. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) gave a presentation to council, and two motions were passed - one regarding access to drug-testing kits and safe injection supplies, and another regarding support for Graduate Entry Degree students.
Presentation From Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, UCDSU’s Charity Partner
Council opened with a presentation from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), UCDSU’s charity partner. DRCC highlighted the important role that funding plays in their work, as it allows them to provide counselling services, monitor its helpline, run its WeConsent campaign, along with other programmes and resources. DRCC reports that in 2024, around 500 people were using their therapeutic services, and 20,000 people were using their helpline services. As part of its ‘12 Days of Christmas’ fundraising campaign, UCDSU has raised €432 as of the 17th of November.
Motion Passed on Drug-testing Kits and Safe Injection Supplies
A motion was passed regarding the supply of drug-testing kits and safe injection supplies. The motion was proposed by Arts & Humanities College Officer Jessica Klein, and seconded by Welfare Officer Emilia O’Hagan. A similar programme currently exists in Trinity College, facilitated by TCDSU.
Motion Passed On Support for Graduate Entry Degree Students
A motion was passed regarding the supporting and lobbying for Graduate Entry Degree students. The motion was proposed by Education Officer Matt Mion, and seconded by Diversity and Inclusions Campaign Coordinator Favour Ochonma. UCD currently has graduate entry courses in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Radiography. In 2026/27, the cost for Graduate Entry Medicine will be €19,260, Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine will cost €24,210, and Graduate Entry Radiography will cost €14,820. The motion states that, "Graduate Entry Degree students . . . face significant and disproportionate financial and structural barriers to accessing and completing their degrees.” Education Officer Matt Mion noted the national survey currently being carried out on Graduate Entry Medicine, and noted that the motion will mandate the Union to continue such efforts and expand them to other degree programmes.
Christmas Day
Questions were posed to UCDSU President Michael Roche regarding the sale of Christmas Day tickets. Roche noted that the Union did not anticipate such a high demand, and thus paused sales at 2,500 tickets. Further tickets are intended to be released based upon the capacity of the venue, with health and safety considerations being of utmost importance. Roche emphasised that as this is the first time running an organised Christmas Day event of this scale on campus, “this is the first step,” and certain aspects of the event may be reworked in future years. The event is set to go forward next week on Thursday 27th of November.