The eight regular session of this academic year saw a motion passed to support Irish neutrality and the Triple Lock.
Reporting by Ben Sweeney, Orla Mahon and Adam Schmitz.
Motion to support Irish Neutrality and the Triple Lock passes
A motion to support Irish neutrality and the Triple Lock was passed tonight at Union Council.
The motion was proposed by Campaigns and Engagement Officer Kelvyn Fields. The motion argues that, “no mission without a United Nations mandate may be considered one of 'peace-keeping'. The arrangement implicitly favoured by the Triple Lock's removal is participation in the military operations of entities such as the EU and NATO, which are, by definition, 'war-fighting' missions.”
The motion mandates the Union to release a public statement clarifying the Union’s opposition to the removal of the Triple Lock, along with their ‘unwavering support’ for Ireland’s neutrality policy.
The motion also mandates the President and the Campaigns and Engagement Officer to raise awareness of ‘the attempt to remove the Triple Lock,’ in collaboration with other student unions, trade unions, and various other relevant activist organisations..
There was one speaker against the motion - current Electrical Engineering Stage 3 Class Rep and Engineering College Officer-elect Cian Spilliane. Spillane expressed dissatisfaction with the motion, stating that that triple lock “cannot be conflated” with neutrality.
The motion passed by a small margin, thereby mandating the Union to support Irish Neutrality and the Triple Lock.
Council votes to hold an extraordinary meeting on Good Friday after Constitutional Review discussion
A draft of the eagerly anticipated Constitutional Review was sent to Class Representatives this evening, sparking debate in the Fitzgerald Chamber between the review committee and representatives. Council members objected to proposed articles with honorary membership rules, voting rights, and the role of the electoral commission coming under scrutiny.
Environmental Coordinator Stephen Mullen said that significant sections of the draft constitution were “objectionable or at least discussable,” noting that they risk "delegitimising" the student forum.
Graham Hayes, chair of the Constitutional Review committee, believes that some of the proposed amendments would be unfeasible, calling them an "insane administrative burden.” However, an online survey to gather representatives' feelings was agreed to, alongside an extraordinary meeting on April 3rd.
Franchesa Gabari elected Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Francesca Gabari, a 4th year Global Studies student, was elected to the role of Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator. She was the sole nominee for the position. Upon her appointment, Gabari said, “I look forward to being your next Diversity and Inclusion officer for the next four or five weeks.”