IFUT General Secretary Frank Jones yesterday addressed the “Fund Our Future” national student demonstration outside Dáil Éireann, bringing solidarity from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and IFUT to students campaigning for accessible, affordable and properly funded higher education.
Organised by Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), the national students’ union, the demonstration called for urgent Government action on student accommodation, the cost of education and sustainable higher education funding ahead of Budget 2027.
Addressing the rally on Kildare Street, Frank emphasised the shared interests of students and university workers:
“Your campaign is our campaign. Your future is our shared future.”
He said the continuing failure to provide sufficient funding was a political decision, with consequences felt across universities by students, staff and families.
“When Government recognises what a public service needs, acknowledges the shortfall and repeatedly fails to provide sufficient funding, that is a choice. Students, staff and families are paying the price.”
The Government recognised an annual higher education funding gap of €307 million in 2022 and subsequently increased funding to the sector by a portion of the €307m. Four years later, the entire higher education sector continues to highlight a substantial shortfall which has been compounded by rising student numbers and increased costs.
Frank stressed that underfunding affects both the quality of students’ education and the conditions of those delivering it. Overstretched services, heavier workloads and insecure employment limit the time and support available to students.
“Staff working conditions and student learning conditions are inseparable. You cannot build a properly supported education system on an overstretched, precariously employed workforce.”
He also expressed IFUT’s support for State investment in affordable student accommodation, with students’ unions and sectoral representatives involved in shaping its delivery. Universities should not have to rely on high student rents to support their educational mission.
“Students should not be expected to make up a university’s funding shortfall through their rent. Accommodation should make education accessible. It should never price students out of college.”
On education costs, Frank supported a further reduction in the student contribution charge and a funded plan for its abolition. He emphasised that every reduction must be replaced by public funding so that students benefit from both lower costs and properly resourced education.
He called for the National Training Fund to be put to work alongside sustained increases in core public funding. The IUA’s pre-Budget submission identifies a fund approaching €2 billion and calls for it to be unlocked to support lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling.
Frank also asked students to support university workers as IFUT begins its planned withdrawal of labour on Monday, 5 October, as part of the wider public service dispute. He outlined the union’s demands for fair pay, delivery of outstanding local bargaining commitments and protection against changes to working arrangements without agreement.
Acknowledging the effect of industrial action on students, he said IFUT members care deeply about their teaching, research and student support, and called on Government to engage meaningfully with unions to resolve the dispute.
“Today, we stand with you. Over the coming weeks, we ask you to stand with us.”
Concluding his address, Frank urged Minister Jack Chambers to use the forthcoming Budget to deliver additional annual core funding, a clear timetable to close the remaining funding gap, affordable accommodation and better support for students.
“Underfunding is a political choice. Proper public funding is a political choice too. Next week, we will judge this Budget by what it delivers.
“Choose education. Choose students. Choose our shared future. Fund Our Future!”