Irish Second-Level Students’ UnionPRESS STATEMENT                                              * For immediate release*

Another year – another systems failure RE: CAO 2010

23/08/‘10

Today at 6.10am, the CAO website suffered a malicious technical failure, which left students distraught and distressed in their anticipation to finally come face-to-face with their round one offers. Although, it appears that this freak technical mishap was outside the control of the CAO itself, the fact that it occurred is much more than unfortunate and the ISSU calls for a full investigation into the incident to be carried out. It is imperative that technical difficulties of this scale cannot be allowed to happen in future as they cause unnecessary worry for students at an already stressful time and undermines confidence in the system.It is clear that the points race of years past has kicked off again and may develop into a marathon, as it is set to continue over the coming years. The ISSU calls on the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that sufficient further education places exist for all students that desire them and that students are fully informed about all of their available options in the years ahead. Media hype surrounding points increases can often over exaggerate the actual situation as small increases and decreases in points from year to year are natural and large changes have only occurred for a small number of courses. Media hype seriously adds to the anxieties of students and should be discouraged.More and more often are criticisms of the Irish third-level entry system to be heard and it forces us to wonder whether it really is the best system for our students and for our “knowledge economy” and therefore, the ISSU urges a review of our third-level entry system to be carried out at the earliest possible opportunity.__ENDS__Notes to Editor:ISSU is the national umbrella body for school Student Councils, aiming to represent and connect Irish second-level students the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that the voice of the Irish second-level student is heard and striving for innovation and democracy within the education system. ISSU is a not-for profit student rights organisation.At ISSU we believe that young people are not merely citizens in waiting - we deserve better, we deserve to be heard. We can and will contribute positively to society. It is so important that our voices, views and opinions are (i) heard (ii) listened to (iii) and most importantly respected. This is what ISSU is all about. We’re here for you. Our main aims include:

• To provide training and development of second-level school Student Councils, in conjunction with relevant bodies.
• To develop policies on issues affecting Irish second-level students and bring the needs and rights of students to the attention of the relevant authorities.
• To provide a transparent, democratic and reliable organisation.
• To work in collaboration with other educational institutions and bodies both in Ireland and Europe.
• To work closely with educational curriculum policy makers and teachers’ unions to continually develop a transparent, fair and modern education system.
• And most importantly, to give students a structured platform through which the voice of the Irish second-level student will be heard.

ISSU represents students at a national level and is affiliated to; Anna Lindh Foundation, Children’s Mental Health Coalition, Children’s Rights Alliance, NYCI, Stand up for Education Alliance, and the WHEEL. On an international level, ISSU works closely with OBESSU. ISSU also works with curriculum development teams and various advisory bodies. Contact:www.issu.ie, email communications@issu.ie  or call 01 443 4461.