Union of Students in Ireland

rdf:langString Union of Students in Ireland

rdf:langString Union of Students in Ireland

rdf:langString green

rdf:langString Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn

rdf:langString Beth O’Reilly

rdf:langString The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) (Irish: Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn) is the national representative body for third-level students' unions in Ireland. Founded in 1959, USI represents more than 374,000 students in over forty colleges across the island of Ireland. Its mission is to work for rights of students and a fair and equal third level education system in Ireland. The Union's ultimate governing body is its Annual Congress, and its executive authority is vested in a its National Council, comprising representatives from each member organisation. Members of the executive team of USI serve a one-year term beginning on 1 July. As of 2022 the national president is Beth O’Reilly, former Commercial and Fundraising Officer in University College Cork and former Vice President for Campaigns in USI. A number of past officers of USI have gone on to prominent positions within Irish society. Past USI presidents include former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, former Chief Justice John L. Murray (1966/67), and broadcaster Joe Duffy (1983–84). In Northern Ireland, USI jointly operates NUS-USI with the National Union of Students of the United Kingdom, with students being members of both national unions. USI is a member of European Students' Union, was formerly a member of EURODOC and has provided officer-holders in both organisations.