IRELAND’S DEFAMATION LAWS received a much-needed and long-overdue makeover with the signing of the Defamation Bill 2006 in July this year. Previously, the issue of libel was fraught with complexities, with vast gaps in jurisprudence leading to much uncertainty for those both facing and bringing charges of defamation. The Irish courts have faced criticism by the European Court of Human Rights for their lack of direction to juries regarding the extent of damages, where arguably disproportionate awards have been lavished on injured parties.

Admittedly, many of these concerns have been addressed, and according to Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern; resolved by the Defamation Bill 2006, however, it was the controversial blasphemy law, that overshadowed the legislation.

Now, acts of gross indecency, intending to cause offence to any religion could face a maximum fine of €25,000.

On the face of it, this blasphemy law doesn’t appear to be overtly restrictive; however, serious questions and objections raised by a number of commentators have cast doubt on the very constitutionality, and public support of this dubious provision.

Blasphemy, although specifically referenced in Bunreacht na hÉireann, has not been recognised as part of Irish law since 1995, with the Supreme Court ruling it was more or less unenforceable in this jurisdiction. This was the year in which the Divorce Referendum was affirmed by the Irish people; and the Supreme Court decision appeared to represent the evolving Irish distaste for restrictions on freedom of speech and indeed, the power of the Catholic Church.

For this reason, many have questioned why the Minister for Justice initiated such a provision in the Defamation Bill. Yes, it was filling up a vacuum in our constitutional law, however, perhaps it would have more prudent to suggest removing blasphemy from the constitution in the next referendum considering the uncertainties this law has raised.
In Ireland (under the influence of the UK courts), blasphemy specifically referred to Christianity. The Satanic Verses case, regarding Salmon Rushdie’s work provided this assurance. However, the 2006 Bill clearly states that any religion can seek the protection of the law in this regard. Although reflecting the more multi-denominational society Ireland has become, it also could see a can of worms opening in the courts.

Gross indecency is a term that is subjective to the particular religions. For example, depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad has proven to incite rage from some Muslims. Does this mean that producing such images amounts to criminal liability in this country? Conversely, adjudicating liability by an objective standard would seem artificial. Would the courts judge it from the perspective religious person? If so, what religion? The disparity in beliefs in practically every sect can be expansive, provoking the question, who determines what is offensive?

The ECHR has accepted that certain blasphemy laws are a justified limitation to the right to freedom of expression. However, the rationale behind this limitation was the preservation of public order. As mentioned, ‘outrage’ is subjective and personal, whereas public order has the aim of protecting society as a whole, not just those of religious inclination.

Surely, the public good, in the broadest sense, is the only excusable basis for restricting a right as intrinsic to a free society as that of expression. In this light, a €25,000 fine for offending something you may consider a complete delusion seems unwarranted.

The debate continues to rage over this provision. Considering the difficulties regarding blasphemy, questions were raised as to why President McAleese did not use her power under Article 26 of the Constitution to refer the Bill to the Supreme Court and thus determine the constitutionality of the legislation.

The Atheist Society of Ireland has already elected to challenge the constitutionality of the blasphemy law by composing a purposely blasphemous statement designed to provoke outrage, therefore attracting the punitive measures of the Bill. As the Supreme Court did not have the opportunity to test the legality of the Defamation Bill and judging from the jurisprudence from the ECHR, the Atheist Society could perhaps topple this law- which would be a humiliation for the Oireachtas and President McAleese.

The Defamation Bill 2006 will certainly be a bone of contention in Irish society in the coming years. Freedom of religion is undoubtedly of crucial importance to all Irish citizens, and naturally, having one’s faith insulted will cause upset and possibly outrage. However, in modern European society, the outrage of some is not something we should let restrict the fundamental rights of everyone. It is not a question of atheists versus people of faith, saints versus sinners… The right to expression is guaranteed to citizens and shouldn’t be restricted for any thing less than their protection.

But luckily for the Government, it took our mind of the recession for five minutes…

AT least six students were arrested at the 2009 UCD Ball, which took place on Friday, 24th April.

A spokesperson for Donnybrook Garda Station confi rmed that six students were arrested in the university for public order offences. A number of students were also taken to the Irishtown Garda Station when Donnybrook station reached full capacity as a result of student arrests.

Reports of anti-social behaviour included claims of assault, a door in Belgrove being damaged and lecherous behaviour by UCD students. Students Union (SU) President, Aodhán Ó Deá expressed his concern and disappointment at the violent and anti-social behaviour of students at the event and in the areas surrounding the site.

“It’s unfortunate that people would fi ght at on a day like that. An event like that is on so as many students can enjoy the day as possible,” said Mr Ó Deá. “The last day of term is designed so that everyone ends the year on a good note.”

The SU President confi rmed that a number of students were injured on the day of the ball, some of which were seriously injured. Several students received medical treatment for alcohol intoxication. One student was taken to hospital with head injuries having fallen from a residence gate in Merville. According to Mr Ó Deá, many of the students were injured as they attempted to scale the hoardings into the event site and climbing over the residences gates.

“A lot of the incidents happened where people were trying to sneak onto the premises and that was where most of the casualties occurred. A lot of people were injured trying to jump over fences both at the site and at the residences,” said Mr Ó Deá.

Mr Ó Deá added that such violent incidents portray the university in a negative light. “It doesn’t give a great refl ection of the university, but at an event this size, it is almost to be expected.” Mr Ó Deá also expressed concern about complaints made to him about members of security who were brought to oversee the ball by event management company, Diffusion.

“I have received some complaints about the security and how people were dealt with. They said they were rough and being kicked out for no reason. We will have to look into every case specifi cally if people make serious complaints.”

Despite these diffi culties and poor weather conditions, Mr Ó Deá felt the 2009 Ball was a “huge success” and “everything went as planned”.

The SU President praised SU Entertainments Offi cer Gary Redmond for his organisation and management of the ball, saying, “I think it was better than last year. We were able to make lots of improvements based on last year’s experience, just even in terms of logistics.”

Financially, the UCD Ball was deemed to be successful, not losing any money on the event and Mr Ó Deá confi rming it made a small profi t, in contrast to previous years.

The line-up for the UCD Ball included Iglu & Hartly, Booka Shade, Republic of Loose, The Blizzards and SClub. The event took place in the car park behind the Student Centre.

Those leading the investigation will seek to establish the circumstances leading up to the flooding and if it was a deliberate act by the student/students involved. It is believed that water from a blocked sink and shower overflowed, causing an inundation of the apartment, which filtered down to the property below.

Vice-President for Students, Dr Martin Butler confirmed an investigation is underway and that the full financial implications will be revealed pending the results of the inquiry. “How the flood occurred, the nature of the damage and the cost of repair is currently under investigation,” he said.

Dr Bulter declined to comment if he believed that the act causing the flooding was deliberate saying, “I think it would be unfair to comment when we don’t know, but there will be an investigation.” He added that the university would seek disciplinary action should the students be proven to be at fault.

“Of course [we would seek disciplinary action], if a student is in violation of any aspect of the student code, the normal procedures will be applied. We need to maintain the integrity of the campus.”

Students’ Union (SU) President, Aodhán Ó Deá conveyed his disappointment that students in UCD would be capable of deliberately flooding on-campus accommodation. “I was shocked when I heard about it. It was a very selfish thing to do. That simple act affected many students located in apartments below,” he said.

Mr Ó Deá continued to say that any deliberate vandalising or destruction of university property, or anti-social behaviour on campus residences or anywhere else in the university would not be tolerated. “It is obvious that this kind of behaviour needs to be stamped out.”

“WHERE ARE YOU getting this from? I have been acting for 35 years and those five or six roles make such a small part of my career!” Alan Rickman reposts a question about his penchant for playing so many villains. While it is true that after exiting the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Rickman has acted in a variety of roles from Shakespeare’s Tibalt to Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility, his more sinister portrayals seem to burn their way into audience’s memories. And sitting in front of a mass of students in Theatre P in the Newman Building, there is a distinct air of Severus Snape in Rickman’s demeanour.

He is restrained, almost hesitant and his trademark deep voice is slow and pounding and slightly unnerving while answering questions. As with his onscreen persona, Rickman possesses a refined sophistication – his manner of speaking is eloquent, almost poetic and is interspersed with a wry wit which ignites the fixated audience into intermitted bouts of uproarious laughter.

When Otwo meets the actor in the, admittedly fitting surrounds of the darkened Arts Block ‘exit’ corridors, Rickman is keen to point out that his acting résumé far exceeds the remit of a suave arrogance of Hans Gruber or the devious Sheriff of Nottingham. “When selecting roles, you just try and do what you didn’t just do.”

It seems to be with this mantra in tow that Rickman chose his next role – a caterpillar. Rickman explains that he has joined the macabre circus that is Tim Burton’s distorted adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s fantastical tale, Alice in Wonderland, having worked with the eccentric director in the grisly musical, Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Rickman explains that, as seems to be the norm with Burton, production for this work is nothing short of surreal. “Well, I believe what is going to happen is it will be my head on an animated caterpillar. I mean, Tim Burton just has a mind like a fairground. I aim to do everything he ever does. I am a crawling sycophant to him!”

Alice in Wonderland is set to be released in 2010, but Rickman relays the difficulties of working on a child’s film by saying, “Well, we’re fighting with Disney at the moment… They are worried about having a character [the caterpillar] that smokes,” he adds, dramatically rolling his eyes to heaven.

From the surreal to biographical depictions, Rickman is versed (and critically lauded) for his metamorphosis and cohesion when he takes on a role. However, with certain roles, Rickman discovered that treading carefully is necessary to avoid unwanted controversy.

In discussing Neil Jordan’s controversial Michael Collins, Rickman confirms that despite malaise about the film’s depiction of Eamonn DeValera, he had no intention of rendering him the villain that many argue he was seen as.

Rickman, whose father is Irish, recalls during a read through of the script, Jordan approached him and inquired, ‘do you hate him [DeValera] yet?’ Rickman denies that he chose to play the former-Taoiseach and president in a negative light and counteracts criticisms that DeValera was portrayed as being linked to Collins’ assassination.

“Of course with roles like that, there is a certain delicacy you must apply, but I don’t think that the film indicated that DeValera had any influence in Collins’ death.”

Historical adaptations will undoubtedly be problematic for any actor, but trying to immerse oneself in a role that millions of people know and love (or indeed hate) is even more perilous.

“I like limitations. They are good for a role. They help apply imagination to the story, like with my rubber head in Galaxy Quest”

When it was decided to adapt the Harry Potter books onto the silver screen, the author of the works, J. K. Rowling reportedly was adamant that Rickman played the sinister Severus Snape, the seeming nemesis of the hero wizard, Harry Potter.

However despite the author’s support, Rickman explains that he was somewhat dubious about taking on a character with such a weighted fan-base.

“I said to Jo Rowling, ‘Look, I can’t play him unless I know him’. She then gave me this elliptical piece of information that I didn’t really understand at first. It was information she hadn’t told anyone else, not even her sister, but it gave me what I needed to take on Snape.”

Despite obtaining much the much coveted ‘inside scoop’, his interpretation of character so renowned could have been very ill-received. Thankfully, this was not the case and fans of the books have intertwined the cinematic and literary versions of Severus Snape into one being.

Another work which Rickman was apprehensive about taking on was in his role as the dignified, noble Colonel Brandon in adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

“I was very wary about it. I happen to love Jane Austen. When I first read her work, it was that type of moment where you wanted to show it to people and tell them how beautiful it is,” he explains.

“It was challenging, especially with the period clothes. You have to wear them for weeks, just practising how to walk and bow… and learning how to go to the bathroom. But I like limitations. They are good for a role. They help apply imagination to the story,” Rickman continues, before drolly adding, “Like with my rubber head in Galaxy Quest.”

Unlike many actors of such a profile, Rickman has managed to leave the theatrics and drama on the film side and has retained a relatively private life beyond the limelight. Until Otwo almost trampled his wife in said blackened hallway, I was unsure if Rickman was even married. However, being the face of the most famous film saga does tend to attract some attention, yet nothing compared to that of other celebrities.

“Fame is all relative. I mean, when you are with Johnny Depp (who Rickman starred with in Sweeney Todd and in the upcoming Alice and Wonderland), you realise ‘I’ve nothing to worry about,” he says, “I mean, sometimes I even fly economy!”

“When you live in London, as I do, being famous isn’t really a problem. People just stare at the pavement so they don’t really come up to you. In New York, weirdly, there is no class system. People just walk past you and say ‘like your work’, directly and honestly and walk on. But it difficult being famous and when you’re English.
There is an idea that you have to get back in your little bus. ‘Get back in your box’ should be the national emblem.”

And nothing puts you ‘back in your box’ like negative critical reaction to your work. Although it is impossible to ignore the reflection of a mirror held up to an actor as an artist, Rickman remains unaffected by reviews.

“I remember reading a review of saying that I had a voice that sounded like it came out of the backend of a drainpipe. There is always going to be someone who hated you in print. You just cannot let it affect you,” says Rickman.

Inevitably, with any art form, the worst criticisms are often self-inflicted. Rickman admits that he is his own harshest critic and therefore cannot bring himself to watch his own work.

“I never watch [my films]. Genuinely, I’m not just saying it. All I can see is my mistakes. In theatre, I can’t watch myself or be objective, so it suits me better in some ways.”

Having commenced his career in theatres, Rickman has an enduring affinity for the stage. He expresses an interest in focusing more on this side of acting and directing in the future.

In 2005, Rickman directed the critically acclaimed My Name Is Rachel Corrie, a play bases on the diaries of a 23-year-old American woman who died after being hit by an Israeli bulldozer. The play debuted at the Royal Court Theatre, London, where Rickman was honoured with by audiences who gave him the Theatre Goers’ Choice Awards for best director.

His enthusiasm for more unusual roles on screen (Dogma, Galaxy Quest and indeed Alice and Wonderland), seems to also translate itself to theatre roles.

“I love new writing. I love seeing what’s going on in a writers head and you go, ‘Where the hell did that come from?!” Rickman says excitedly.

For an actor who was accused of being typecast as a villain, on closer reflection Rickman is a paradox of stability yet versatility. Despite being at retirement age, it seems clear that he has no intention of limiting his theatrical scope.

When Otwo asks the actor if, after 35-years, he grows weary of the centre stage he replies, “No, life has shifting horizons so you might as well keep swimming.”

Alan Rickman received the Literary and Historical Society’s (L&H) James Joyce Award last month.

What’s Hot

Where The Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s much loved children’s book promises to be a warming, fantastical whorl of a film and with Arcade Fires’ ‘Wake Up’ in the soundtrack, we can feel the nostalgia plucking at our heartstrings already.

boobah.com
The website that accompanies child’s TV really shouldn’t appeal to me as much as it does. With fat little multicoloured dancing characters, simplistic games and bongo music, it is the best way to hypnotise yourself into an elated stupor.

Odessa
In the secluded location of 14 Dame Court, Odessa seems somewhat exclusive from the exterior, however, with their introduction of their new ‘fivers’ tapas menu, they will have every impoverished student in the city baying at their doors. Choose chorizo and chick pea stew, tabouleh and calamari. Fun, filling and for a fiver? Fantastic.

The Bernard Shaw
Being haven of side-fringes and quirky glasses, at least the Bernard Shaw can (unlike some other premises – see below) back up its pretention with varied, eclectic music and laid back ambiance. The Portobello bar also hosts a cute car boot sale, so stall down on 16th May for beer and brickerbrack.

What’s Not

Chandler Bing
The Friends-star curse continues as another actor succumbs to take on another terrible terrible film in 17 Again with the wavy eye-browed, gender-confused Zack Efron. Matthew Perry will always be Chandler Bing and should really just go way now.

Spy
Located in the beautiful Powerscourt house on South William Street Spy is a really cool place to hang out. That is, if you are six inches wide and have somehow managed to exorcise the place from narcissistic posers that destroys a perfectly good club. Cramped and pretentious, best avoided.

CTN
Oh sweet Jesus, does UCD really need to offer a platform to those attention-starved members of our student body? CTN’s latest production looks like it is trying to be UCD’s 90210, but is even more embarrassing. Ughhh.

Selling out
Armed with credit cards in our hot little hands, we were all planning a summer of music and delight, but Jesus, even the UCD Ball sold out a millisecond. At this rate, it looks like we’ll spend the summer at the bottom of the garden with a wireless instead. Grr.

Indeed it was the SU’s fight against third-level education fees that dominated the brief of almost every SU sabbatical officer this year and Ó Deá was no exception to this. His year as president was peppered with protests, occupations of governmental buildings and lobbying TDs in a bid to thwart the looming spectre of fees.

Citing the first student rally against third-level fees on 22nd October as being his high point of his presidency, Ó Deá availed of the anti-fees movement in terms of raising the profile of the SU as a whole.

“I felt that [the rally] really showed the students coming together. I think the SU was responsible for their enthusiasm. We did lecture addresses, we handed out leaflets at the bus stops and we knocked on doors around campus. We really got the union out there and got people interested.”

Being the president of the largest SU in Ireland, Ó Deá faced expectations that UCD would be the strongest voice against the potential re-introduction of fees. In terms of success, Ó Deá is adamant that the Government has listened to students and that contrary to recent reports in the national press, fees will not be introduced.

“I personally believe that ‘fees’ will not be introduced. Any decision on Graduate Tax or loan system is being deferred further and further. It’s a positive thing,” he explains, adding, “We have raised valid points to the Minister of Education [Batt O’Keeffe] through our protests, through the 5000 letters we sent out, through the time spent lobbying various TDs.”

It is apparent that Ó Deá has spent a significant portion of his tenure fighting fees. Whether this will prove to have been a successful campaign remains to be seen, however Ó Deá’s year as president was also marred by the constant threat of cutbacks to student facilities. Ó Deá acknowledges that fending off these cutbacks was a major undertaking for the SU officers. “[We were] fighting cutbacks in everything – every single committee meeting was a fight. You have to understand, when I came into the job it was a completely different economic climate and a completely different university,” he explains.

“This has been a positive year for the SU. I think we have been extremely visible and did a great job”

When examining Ó Deá’s election manifesto, it is clear that certain promises he made have not come to fruition. Ó Deá blames the majority of these shortcomings on the cutbacks.

The extension of Student Health Service opening hours, as promised by Ó Deá, was not delivered and the contraception clinic in the centre was closed due to lack of funding.

Ó Deá admits that the Student Health Service was particularly problematic for the SU.

“From the very start of the year, the Student Health Service has been a very tough challenge. Our hardest battle was maintaining that the service remains free for students. Unfortunately, the recession has hit the health service badly and when I wrote my manifesto, it seemed that certain things were possible that aren’t any longer. There was still money in the university last year that could be allocated to the health service. There isn’t now.”

Referencing his manifesto, the SU President says that when he promised a SU deli in the Newman Building and SU shop in the Newstead Building, he didn’t comprehend the licensing and structural requirements that would be needed.

He claims that he is “working on” delivering the cycle lane through campus and is confident that he still has time in office of prevent the security gates around the campus residences from being utilised against the will of students.

On the question of the ‘rip-off campus’, the SU President is convinced that he has improved the situation by reducing the price of tea in Insomnia and Elements. He also cites the introduction of a recognition scheme for voluntary work in campus and the implementation of a bilingual campus as elements of his manifesto that he successfully achieved.

Despite admitting some failures with regard his manifesto, Ó Deá attests that he feels “this has been a positive year for the SU. I think we have been extremely visible and did a great job.”

His main priority at the time of coming to office was to make the SU a more visible force on campus, saying “I’d like to think we’ve been a SU for the students. I like to think we’ve been visible and relevant this year. I like to think the students know what we do.”

The fight against fees was a convenient springboard for this objective and it is clear that Ó Deá’s team has been successful in this front. Yet it seemed that it was more the work of Campaigns and Communications Officer than Ó Deá himself. Although the issue of fees raised the profile of the union it could be argued that any president in the position of Ó Deá would have been taken along with it.

At the beginning of the year, Ó Deá seemed uncomfortable in the position of president, ill equipped at speaking with the media and overshadowed by and unable to unite some of the other sabbatical officers. However having gained greater experience throughout the year, Ó Deá was more confident is his position and has lead his union through a relatively successful year.

Ó Deá will continue with his B&L degree whilst balancing his position of Irish Language Officer for the Union of Students in Ireland. In July, Ó Deá will be replaced by outgoing Entertainments Officer, Gary Redmond.

General Secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) Mike Jennings has reacted angrily to these further cutbacks to the higher-education sector. He questioned the logic of the Government in trying to curb the damage to the economy caused by the recession by restricting funding available to third-level education.

“I can’t understand where the Government is coming from. Right from the beginning of the current crisis, the Government repeatedly said that two areas of Irish life would not be affected and that was education and health and at every turn on the road, they have reneged on that commitment and it makes absolutely no sense,” argued Mr Jennings.

He continued, “Every economist or political commentator worth their salt will tell you that, for any country, the only way to get themselves out of a recessionary hole is to through the education system. It’s absolutely short-sighted and it’s politically dishonest.”

Mr Jennings argued that the Government does not have students’ best interests at heart with these cutbacks saying, “this Government only sees students as a possible source of finance in the future, they don’t have empathy for students; they don’t understand the demands of higher education and they certainly don’t understand the merits of higher education. The only time this Minister talks of education is when he threatens to make students pay €5000 for the pleasure of being there.” Mr Jennings also called this move “dispiriting” for university staff.

Other third-level institutes have also had a reduction in Government funding. The grant given to Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is reduced from €101 million to €93 million. The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) will endure a cut of €4 million to bring funding to €75 million while University College Cork (UCC)’s grant is cut from €90 million to €85 million.

National University of Ireland Maynooth will lose €1 million; the University of Limerick (UL)’s funding is reduced to €57 million from 63 million and DCU face cutbacks of €6 million.

These cutbacks come after President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady expressed his concerns about funding in the university earlier this year. In a meeting with UCD staff, he announced that the university would be €20 million in debt if serious revision of spending was not undertaken.

Third year Chemistry student, David Osborne is the founder and auditor of the society and says that he chose to form the society to promote diversity and contrast the religious societies on campus.

“It is documented that non-religious people out number all non-Catholics put together, but in UCD there are two Christian societies, an Islamic Society, a Pagan Society, a Pro-Life Society, which is essentially a religious society, but no society for non-religious people. I think it is important that we have a place to exchange our views also a platform where we can air or views,” explains Mr Osborne.

Although Mr Osborne says the society’s events are not “set in stone”, he hopes the Humanist Society will be able to attract high-profile speakers and host screenings.

“It would comprise mostly of talks and screenings. I’ve sent emails to the Irish Humanist Society and I hope they will come in and speak, probably for the initial lecture. Hopefully the founder of the Irish Sceptic Society, Paul O’Donohue will do it, because on our mandate is science, scepticism and reason.”

However, Mr Osborne expressed concerns about the possibility of the society entering into public debates. “I have heard a lot about debates and I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but I think it would fail if you didn’t get enough people or the speakers weren’t very good.”

The Humanist Society committee is yet to be fully formed, but Mr Osborne says he is currently in the process of appointing committee members. “At the moment there are four concerned committee members with five posts open. I appoint the committee in the first year, because there is no one there to elect them. I would just encourage students if they feel they want to get involved to come along.”

According to Mr Osborne, student reaction to the society has been muted, however he said this was largely due to the fact that posters advertising the foundation of the society were put up on the last week of term.

The Auditor of the Humanist Society is confident that it will become one of the larger small societies in UCD when they start recruiting members from September 2009.

According to the Humanist Association of Ireland, Humanism is “an ethical philosophy of life, based on a concern for humanity, which combines reason with compassion” and does not rely on a supernatural, superstitious belief.

What is your Masters degree?
I am completing a Masters of Accounting in Smurfit in Blackrock.

What does your course involve?
The course involves basically studying for two sets of accounting exams, which are covered during the course. I am in college from 8.30 am and I have lectures until 2.30 pm. They are just lectures for the exams such as lectures in tax, management accounting, company law, special accounting, a lot of auditing and a lot of training on computers to train you up for when you go into the offices one day.

We also do a lot of group projects. In fact, we had to do a project on our own recently and it felt strange without a group to bounce ideas off.

What will you have accomplished by the end of your Masters?
I will have covered the first two sets of accounting exams but I will still have to sit my final accounting exams (FAEs). Usually you do a Masters and then you do three years training and then you are a qualified accountant. During these years you sit the rest of the exams.

How does the financing of the degree work?
The Masters in Smurfit obviously aren’t cheap, but last year, the economic situation was completely different and the major accountancy and business firms were handing out sponsorship for masters courses. This year, there aren’t as many sponsorships going around, so it looks likely that the numbers for the course will be down next year. I got a sponsorship with KPMG, but the degree costs somewhere in the region of five figures.

What was your undergraduate degree?
I did a Bachelor of Commerce in UCD where I specialised in accounting.

Was your undergraduate degree helpful for your Masters?
My undergraduate degree was very helpful. The Masters is changing next year to only cover set two of the accountancy exams. In Commerce, we covered set one and in Masters we covered one and two of the exams, so it will be essential to have completed a Commerce degree before doing this.

Also, a Commerce degree well prepares you for the kind of group work you will be doing in a Masters like this.

How do you compare your undergraduate and postgraduate experiences?
I prefer Blackrock to Belfield. The business school in Belfield is less academic, Smurfit just feels more business orientated. Also there is a nice atmosphere here, there is a bigger community and it feels like you know more people.

Who would you recommend this degree to?
Any one who is interested in business or who might be interested in business, not just people who want to do accountancy. I don’t really intend on being an accountant in the long term, it’s just a really good business qualification to have. You can really go places with it. It is a very stable career path.

What’s next?
Well I have a three-year contract with the Accountancy firm, KPMG.

Will this prepare you for the world of business?
It will definitely help anyway. Nothing can prepare you for the world of business apart form practical experience in the field.

THREE students living in a Belgrove apartment have been relocated after a fire caused significant damage to the kitchen early in the morning of 2 April.

The residents of apartment 5, house 14 in Belgrove Student Residences were not injured as a result of the fire and did not require medical attention however the apartment was no longer habitable due to fire damage. No adjoining apartment incurred damage during the incident.

The fire brigade was summoned to the student apartment in the early hours of the morning to extinguish the fire after the residents were woken by the fire alarm in the hall of the apartment. The fire alarm in the kitchen reportedly did not sound.

A spokesperson for the university has confirmed the fire “caused significant damage to the kitchen area, the full cost of which will be assessed following an investigation into the incident.”

Pearse Contractors, the owners of Belgrove residences, are seeking for the university to pay for the necessary repair work to the apartment. It is not believed that the residents of the apartment will be made financially liable for the incident however, they may face disciplinary action by the university pending the results of a university inquest into the incident.

Students’ Union (SU) President, Aodhán Ó Deá confirmed that “extensive” damage was caused to the premises in Belgrove as a result of a fire, but expressed concern that the fire alarm in the kitchen of the apartment did not sound to alert the students to the presence of smoke.

Mr Ó Deá described the malfunctioning fire alarm as being “definitely a concern” and said, “It is serious issue that the fire alarm in the kitchen didn’t go off. It is of paramount importance that all fire safety equipment on campus is operational.”

He explained that although it is the responsibility of the student residence managers to ensure that fire alarms were operational, students have a duty to themselves to make sure all the fire alarms in their apartments are fully functional.

Mr Ó Deá also warned students against tampering with the fire alarms in the student residences. “There have been issues this year with people taking the fire alarms apart on campus, and we would also advise students against doing that.”

The SU President intends to raise his concerns regarding the fire alarms and the possibility that students may be using cooking equipment that is prohibited with university authorities in the coming weeks.

This is not the first incident of serious fires in Belgrove. Substantial damage was caused to two Belgrove apartments in separate incidents during the 2004/2005 academic year. Although there were no injuries reported, both apartments required significant refurbishment after the fires.