“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]
“While Trinity has announced its continuation of online classes, many international students elected to return to accommodation in Dublin even in face of travel restrictions …” (more)
[Audrey Brown, Trinity News, 10 February]
“A local UCD student says the move to online learning has affected the mental wellbeing of students. Over 70% of college students want more on-campus learning, according to a survey by the Irish Universities Association …” (more)
[Northern Sound, 3 December]
“Demand for mental health support in some universities has doubled as students struggle with isolation and the shift to online learning. Dr Patrick Prendergast, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, told an Oireachtas education committee on Thursday that a lack of personal contact with other students was affecting the mental health and wellbeing of many students …” (more)
[Carl O’Brien, Irish Times, 3 December]
“Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent): To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy on mental health support services in relation to third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter …” (more)
[Dáil written answers, 25 November]
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of most, if not all, individuals living in Canada. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the mental health of younger populations (ages 18-25) has been particularly affected …” (more)
[Kim Hellemans and others, The Conversation, 24 October]
“This week, eight students spoke with The University Times about a culture of intimidation and fear at Trinity Hall during the coronavirus pandemic. Students are facing evictions and threats of fines worth hundreds of euros if they break the complex’s strict rules, making residents feel afraid, unwelcome and as if they are in ‘prison’ …” (more)
[University Times, 18 October]
“The National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework has been launched by Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris, in response to the growing concern surrounding student mental health and suicide, especially in the wake of COVID-19 isolation and uncertainty …” (more)
[Iseult O’Callaghan, College Tribune, 15 October]
