Ninth Level Ireland

“Poor mental amongst PhD researchers is increasingly being recognised as an issue within higher education institutions. However, there continues to be unanswered questions relating to the propensity and causality of poor mental health amongst PhD researchers. Reporting on a new comparative survey of PhD researchers and their peers from different professions, Dr Cassie M Hazell and Dr Clio Berry find that PhD researchers are particularly vulnerable to poor mental health compared to their peers …” (more)

[LSE Impact of Social Sciences, 12 January]

“The University of Limerick has announced that it will provide free period products on-campus. The initiative was started by UL students who created the Any Time of the Month campaign in the fight against period poverty. UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said …” (more)

[Frances Watkins, Limerick Leader, 4 December]

“Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein): To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that many third-level students remain studying predominantly online; and if he will make a statement on the matter …” (more)

[Dáil debates, 13 October]

“I talked to the doctors, and they didn’t tell me what to do. They just explained to me what studies have gone on, like in the NFL, and then just the amount of times that he said depression, suicide, you know, words like that. I decided, ‘there’s no way I can keep playing’ …” (more)

[Charlie Moody-Stuart, University Times, 8 September]

“Ulster University (UU) is asking all of its students and staff whether or not they have received a Covid-19 vaccine. The university is also asking them if they have not been vaccinated to outline the reasons why …” (more)

[Robbie Meredith, BBC News, 19 August]

“Universities are planning to deliver the vast majority of their teaching and learning face-to-face – with most seminars, group study, practical work, extra-curricular activities, social events and sports taking place in-person …” (more)

[Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe, 16 August]

“Universities in Ireland have spent more than €5 million providing mental health services for students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Records released to the Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act show that the State’s eight universities spent €5.1 million on counselling for students during the academic year that ran from last September to this summer …” (more)

[Jade Wilson, Irish Times, 10 August]

“59% of students said that their mental health had been negatively affected by the Covid-19 crisis according to a report by Aontas, the National Adult Learning Organization. Over half of the students surveyed (54%) also said that they struggled with motivation and a ‘lack of structure’ while learning online …” (more)

[Ann Jaffray, College Tribune, 29 July]

“Northern Ireland’s universities have hit back at claims they are not doing enough to provide students with the mental health and wellbeing care they need. Queen’s University and Ulster University responded to calls from SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin to step up student care services ahead of the new term, saying they are fully committed to providing the best services for students who may be experiencing difficulties as a result of Covid-19 …” (more)

[Mark Bain, Belfast Telegraph, 26 July]

“Many student houses are cold and half of them have a daily problem with mould, according to new research. The study, entitled Temperature profiles of private rental housing occupied by third-level students in Ireland and carried out by researchers at NUI Galway, found many occupants were living in properties where the temperature was below recommended levels …” (more)

[Noel Baker, Irish Examiner, 22 July]

“Another €21 million for extra student support also confirmed. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today secured government approval for €105 million for the third-level sector to safely return in September 2021. The package will include financial support for further and higher education to return on-site safely and in line with public health advice. It will also have extra support for students in further and higher education …” (more)

[DFHERIS, 21 July]

“Re: Urgent need to support the Health Insurance (International Students) (Amendment) Bill 2021. Dear Minister Donnelly, On behalf of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and our members this is an urgent appeal to you to support the Health Insurance (International Students) (Amendment) Bill 2021 …” (more)

[USI, 28 June]

“All school pupils should be taught about how to protect their mental health, according to Ulster University Students’ Union (UUSU). The union said a preventative approach would help pupils be more independent …” (more)

[Robbie Meredith, BBC News, 20 March]

“More than 90% of students say they are struggling with loneliness, stress and feeling disconnected, a Sinn Fein survey has found. The Student Wellbeing Survey found that four out of five students say their college experience is negatively impacting their mental health in the pandemic …” (more)

[Cate McCurry, Independent, 4 March]

“Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, has warned of a looming mental health crisis among students and urged the Government to act urgently. Teachta Conway-Walsh’s comments come as she publishes the results of her Student Wellbeing survey which reveals extremely concerning feelings of isolation, stress and poor mental health among students …” (more)

[Sinn Féin, 4 March]

“On the evening of January 8th, 16 relatives of Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital staff were vaccinated ahead of 39 medical students who were on stand-by for the vaccine. Hospital management was made aware of the 39 students on stand-by an hour before vaccines were given out to family members, Prof Deirdre Murphy, Head of Obstetrics at Trinity College Dublin, has told an investigative review into the incident …” (more)

[Adam O’Sullivan, College Tribune, 1 March]

“A surge in Covid-19 cases among the student body in NUI Galway has caused concern among the University community and the wider locality. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre confirmed on Monday that an outbreak of the virus has resulted in 135 positive cases. The number is expected to rise, with a further thirty symptomatic cases awaiting test results …” (more)

[Paddy Henry, Irish Times, 17 February]

“Students, including schoolchildren aged 16 and over, had one of the highest rates of Covid-19 infection during the pandemic’s third wave, according to figures obtained by the Irish Independent. Data reveals 6,701 – or 6.04% – cases were in the category of students including schoolchildren …” (more)

[Catherine Fegan, Independent, 17 February]

“Students at NUI Galway have been urged to come forward for a Covid-19 test if they feel unwell after an outbreak there. Dedicated helplines are being staffed from 9am to 9pm with support for people who are concerned they may be a close contact too …” (more)

[Michelle McGlynn, Irish Examiner, 14 February]

“Coronavirus outbreaks have been declared among the student population in Galway city, with HSE West identifying ‘many close contacts of known cases’. A dedicated Covid-19 student helpline is in operation this weekend for NUI Galway (NUIG) students experiencing symptoms. Galway-Mayo IT (GMIT) is urging its Galway-based students who believe they may have been exposed to the virus to get a test …” (more)

[BreakingNews.ie, 14 February]