UCDSU council held their first meeting of the new Trimester on January 18th, the first day of the teaching term.
A quorum was reached with just over 85 council members present. Council Chair Niall Torris announced that a new returning Officer, former Education Officer Stephen Crosby, had been appointed. The minutes of the previous meeting, which had taken place on the 30th of November, were accepted with 45 votes.
Only two motions were proposed at the meeting, both of which were by former education candidate and current Arts and Humanities Masters Class Representative Darryl Horan. The first motion mandated “that UCD Students’ Union will join students and workers groups calling for the repeal of the Industrial Relations Act 1990”, and was seconded by Stage-One Philosophy Class Representative Aoife McGowan. In proposing the motion, Horan argued that the repeal of the act would allow solidarity strikes, meaning UCDSU and unions representing staff on campus could coordinate their work. No member chose to speak against the motion, and it was passed with over 50 votes.
The second motion mandated: “that the Students’ Union Campaigns and Engagement Officer, Welfare Officer, and Education Officer work to develop an information and recruitment week for engaging in Trade Unionism, with particular attention to young workers”. It was seconded by Welfare Officer Ruairí Power. Power mentioned the similar events hosted by DCUSU, and he regards these as a success. Again with no members choosing to speak against, the motion passed with over 50 votes.
All members of UCDSU executives reports were accepted by Council with at least 45 votes, except for Events Officer Sarah Michalek who had submitted her report late, meaning no vote could be allowed, Education Officer Hannah Bryson, who was on leave, and Health Sciences College Officer Marta Geszczak who was not in attendance. These reports will be voted on at the next meeting, on the 1st of February.
Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer)Tadhg Ó Maoldhomhnaigh and Agriculture, Food, and Vet College Officer Lucy Reid both had their reports from the previous council passed with at least 45 votes.
The next meeting is due to take place at 18:00 on the 1st of February, and all students are free to attend. Council members must submit all motions to the chair by January 25th, and all reports must be submitted by January 29th.