The Irish Times Debate Semi-Finals will take place in four different venues: Rathgar Methodist Church, Royal Irish Academy, The Shtepps UCC and The Fitzgerald Chamber UCD.
Some of Ireland’s most talented young debaters will tackle a wide range of motions relating to today's society. The four semi-finals in this year's series will run over the course of two weeks, from January 23rd to February 7th. The information on each semifinal can be found below.
Tickets are free. Register now.
The Irish Times Debate is the oldest intervarsity debating competition in Ireland and is considered to be the most prestigious. It has been running continuously since 1960. The competition was set up when the Union of Students in Ireland approached The Irish Times and asked them to consider running a competition similar to the British Observer Mace (renamed the John Smith Memorial Mace since 1995).
The competition is an all-island debating championship open to all full-time third-level students, continuing a tradition established at its inception. Its aim is to foster and celebrate excellence in public speaking and debating.
Motion: This house believes that the world will be a better place in 50 years
Date: Thursday, January 23rd
Location: Rathgar Methodist Church, 6 Brighton Road, Terenure, Dublin 6
Time: 6:30pm
Motion: This house believes that communities in Northern Ireland should not forgive and forget
Date: Thursday, January 30th
Location: The Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Time: 5pm.
Motion: This house believes that the best government is that which governs least.
Date: Friday, January 31st
Location: The Shtepps, University College Cork
Time: 6pm
Motion: This house believes that justice is better achieved outside the courts
Date: Friday, February 7th
Location: The FItzgerald Chamber, UCD Student Centre
Time: 7pm