House Debates

The L&H House Debates are a long-established tradition and institution of student life at UCD, with hundreds of students packing out theatres weekly in anticipation of the controversial and entertaining debates hosted by the Society, discussing the most topical and pressing issues we face as a nation today. 

Our debates, hosted every Thursday evening during term, serve to engage and to challenge the presumptions and prejudices of a wide range of ideas, opinions, and beliefs through the use of rational argument and credible intellectual exchange. The speakers are a combination of our own finest student debaters and high-profile guests with particular expertise or interest in the topic being debated- meaning our Thursday evening debates combine fact and rhetoric, as well as providing a forum for students to challenge and learn from public figures from a variety of backgrounds. At the end of the debate questions are welcomed from the floor, allowing any member to challenge any of the guest or student speakers, having a direct input on the motion being discussed.

Debates are a great opportunity to voice an opinion on a particular issue, as well providing a more social side, with debates adjourning to the bar afterwards. In recent years, motions discussed have ranged from ever present questions, such as the right to an abortion, the use of the death penalty or the existence of God, to the more immediate and pressing issues of the day, such as the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the abolition of Seanad Éireann and the introduction of same-sex marriage. 

For information as to the various debates we will be organising this year, please consult our debate calendar, which will be published on our Events webpage and social media pages throughout the year. 
 

The L&H also provides a number of opportunities for speakers to get involved, both within the University and external competitions.