With more numbers gathered than expected, it was agreed that there could be an occupation coupled with the proposed blockade. Amongst those to volunteer to occupy inside where a number of ÓSF activists.
After gaining access into the building the members proceeded to occupy the main staircase chanting 'Students and workers unite to fight the cutbacks' and ‘No cutbacks no fees, no Fianna Fáil TDs'.
The students gained the attention of the workers in the building and swiftly enough members of the Gardaí arrived.
After a prolonged debate with the Gardaí present, the students managed to secure a meeting with a Dept of Finance official.
The official listened intently to the students' concerns surrounding the recent supplementary budget, including the issue surrounding cuts in supports for schoolchildren with disabilities raised by an ÓSF activist and promised to relate these concerns to the relevant authorities.
After an hour the official agreed to dispatch a letter which was written and agreed upon by the students to the minister, and also agreed to pose with a FEE member for a photograph, a condition set by the students if they were to leave the building.
Ross Hallinan, an Ógra member who occupied the Department of Finance said,
“I was extremely pleased with the positive outcome of the action. All parties took the time to listen to our concerns and to discuss the issues raised in depth. This act was a legitimate form of civil disobedience, and was successful in raising the issue; more of these types of actions will follow in combating student fees and throughout the ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign. As ever with FEE actions, the role played by ÓSF cannot be underestimated, which I am very proud of. It also is encouraging that many radio stations took the time to listen to the students taking part in the day's actions.”
“I was extremely pleased with the positive outcome of the action. All parties took the time to listen to our concerns and to discuss the issues raised in depth. This act was a legitimate form of civil disobedience, and was successful in raising the issue; more of these types of actions will follow in combating student fees and throughout the ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign. As ever with FEE actions, the role played by ÓSF cannot be underestimated, which I am very proud of. It also is encouraging that many radio stations took the time to listen to the students taking part in the day's actions.”
3 comments:
FUCK THE FEES.
go on the ross-a-tron
Good man Ross!
D.
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