Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Please review below some of our FAQs. If something below is not answered, email Luke@issu.ie

For Teachers/Parents/Guardians/Schools:

Do teachers have to attend?

While ISSU recommends attendance, it is not mandatory. There are no sign up forms for teachers, please email Luke@issu.ie to inform us if you plan on attending.

Are teachers reimbursed for the day?

No, ISSU does not pay for supervision or teachers. ISSU manages Child Protection on the day. All of ISSU’s procedures and policies can be found on issu.ie/childprotection, any questions can be forwarded to the DLP Luke Daly at Luke@issu.ie. Teachers will be included in the food on the day, however specific dietary requirements will have to be forwarded to Luke@issu.ie. Coffees/Teas/External foods etc. are not reimbursed, nor is travel due to ISSU being a charity with an extremely limited budget.

Are busses / transports provided for students?

As ISSU is a charity with an extremely limited budget, we are unable to provide transportation for students. However we will provide food for students on the day.

Who deals with Parental Consent? / The School already collects consent, why is ISSU doubling up?

While the school is free to collect parental consent, ISSU as an organisation must collect and receive authorisation and emergency contacts in line with best practice for anyone under 18 so that we can prepare for any additional requirements, dietary needs and have parental details in the event of emergencies. We collect consent for child protection.

Can students leave?

No. No attendee may leave unless there is a teacher or guardian to take them during the event of the day.

What if there’s another school event on and I will be late collecting students?

Please be advised that ISSU does not have the resources nor insurance to act as a supervision service for children beyond the end of the event. Failure to pick students up on time will result in €1 per minute late fines imposed in addition to any further costs incurred by ISSU including staffing and travel/accommodation arrangements as staff will be travelling back to Dublin post-event.

For Students Attending:

What is the role of a Regional Officer?

A regional officer has many roles and responsibilities - they are the main officers who connect with our grassroots which include important stakeholders with whom they collaborate with but not always (e.g. students, ISSU school representatives, Coiste Gnó, ETBs, member schools of ISSU, organisations/unions, media). Some of their responsibilities include:

1. Represent students from their ISSU region

2. Uplift student’s voices and ensuring their voices can be heard

3. Work to resolve issues that students and/or themselves face

4. Collaborate with other regions around them

5. Engage and recruit students to be more involved with ISSU

6. Solve issues that students and/or themselves face with the education system

What will happen on the day of a Regional Council?

Each Regional Council has different packed agendas but throughout the day, you will learn about the work of the ISSU, the projects that the outgoing Regional Officers have been doing, projects that you wish for the incoming Regional Officers to work on, and elections!

I want to run to become a Regional Officer but I am scared, how will they work?

We agree that it is extremely terrifying, but don’t fret! Running to become a Regional Officer is great and you going up there is an amazing achievement but you never know where the torch will bring you towards. Candidates running for Regional Officers are required to say a small election speech about i) why they should vote for you and ii) what experiences they have or what you can bring that other candidates don’t have. It’s okay to feel worried or anxious about running, but you never know what’ll happen. It’s okay if you lose because there are still many opportunities in ISSU and we’d love to have you involved if you are defeated.

I have never attended a Regional Council or ISSU event before, what do I need to know?

Although it can be worrying going into an event and you don’t know anyone but don’t worry about it being your first time attending this event! Upon registration, a consent form was sent to your parent/guardian and this needs to be filled in before the event.

Who should attend?

Everyone is welcome although there are a few restrictions. At each regional council, member schools are entitled to a maximum of 2 voting delegates, as well as a minimum of 2 non-voting delegates. The Student Council Liaison Teacher(s) are recommended to attend if the student(s) are unsure of where to go or if they are under the age of 18 although it is up to the school’s guidelines.

Are Regional Councils free to attend?

Regional Councils are free to attend although you are not entitled for reimbursement regards travel - this means yourself or the school will cover the cost of your travel.

Do I need to wear my uniform?

You are not obliged to wear your uniform unless stated by your school otherwise, whatever you feel comfortable in or (smart) casual!