[…]services because they think they are too busy. In its Pre-Budget Submission, and in a statement on World Suicide Prevention Day in September, USI called for Government to increase this funding to €11.5 million in order to reach safe counsellor to student ratios to help combat the mental health crisis currently affecting our young people, including our students. Colette continued: “These aren’t USI recommended ratios, they are the internationally accepted figures. And I think if anyone considers the struggles young people currently face and how many people they know that suffer from mental health issues, they would not think that […]
[…]education. The Government, rather than act to legislate on that right, shamefully challenged the ruling.” “Students in Ireland today face a soaring cost of living and the second highest fees in Europe, while Government has actively disinvested in third-level education. Education is a right, not a privilege. Thousands of students have mobilised against student loans, to defend the SUSI grant, and to demand that Government publicly fund Higher Education.” In a September 2018 High Court ruling, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys stated that; “In the modern world, it is difficult and in some cases impossible to earn one’s livelihood without […]
[…]of students said the high cost of college causes them anxiety or stress 72% of students are struggling financially to stay in college 40% are on a maintenance grant If fees go up, 63% of students said they won’t be able to attend college Which part of college fees do you struggle the most with? Rent (23.6%) Books, equipment and stationary (7.1%) Registration fee of €3,000 (41%) Laptop/ Printer (1.4%) Food, drink and living costs (17%) Transport (10.4%) How do you pay for your college fees? My parents pay (35.4%) I’m on a loan (7.5%) Grants (30%) I have a […]
[…]€3m per annum to tackle future mental health crisis on campus. The urgent call comes ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10th as tax cuts dominate the outcomes of Budget 2018 due to be released tomorrow by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. USI President Michael Kerrigan said, ‘Budget 2018 should focus on improving mental health supports, and not on tax cuts. Waiting lists for on third-level counselling services are currently seeing students waiting for up to six weeks to see a counsellor. Students are facing depression, anxiety, loneliness, substance misuse, and suicidal behaviour and can’t get the support they […]
[…]many still need accommodation. USI continues to track significant pressure on the private rental market, particularly in college towns and cities, and there is a significant shortfall in purpose built student […]
