From the 15th of October to the 29th of November the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) hosted, for the first time ,17 Regional Councils all over the Republic of Ireland. Representatives of second-level student councils from schools across the country met to learn, discuss and debate topical issues for school students. Discussions included; Climate Action, Drug & Alcohol Misuse, Direct Provision, Education Reform and more.

Overall, 672 student council representatives from 202 schools participated in student-led days of debate, workshops and networking. 36 students were elected as Regional Officers to sit on the National Council of Schools (NCS). The student officers will now represent their region on the NCS and will work closely with the National Student Executive (NSE) to promote, advocate and represent student voice on a national level. The work of the NCS will consist of liaising with member schools’ student councils in their local region while also running their own local campaigns under the ISSU! The collaboration of students allows their voice not only to develop but to grow and be heard. Newly elected Regional Officer for Waterford/South Tipperary, Emer Neville, had this to say “On the day we debated Climate Action and discussed Direct Provision. It was so enlightening to get to hear the opinions of other students from across the two counties and it’s one of the reasons I enjoyed the day so much. I would highly recommend to anyone to attend their regional council next year and I’m super excited to get to work with the other elected officers in the new year!”

Speaking of the events ISSU President, Ciara Fanning, said “It’s a fantastic achievement for the ISSU to have completed 17 Regional Councils this year, and to have had such successful elections for passionate Regional Officers. Our union is nothing without our grassroots, and with 36 elected officers we are not only becoming more representative nationally but are empowering students on a regional level. We are so excited for everyone to get started in their role and to work with them as they connect students and address local issues. As a charity, non-profit organisation none of this work would have been possible without the support from regional transport, third-level student unions’, local councillors’, venues and catering facilities all over the country. We are very grateful for their support and look forward to working with them for future events.”

If you would like more information on how to get involved, you can find ISSU at www.issu.ie.

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