Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
60. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the contingency plan in place to respond to the expected rise in students presenting with mental health issues on their return to the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mental health of our students is a priority for my Department, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased mental stress and pressure resulting from it. In this regard I recently secured a comprehensive package of financial support in the amount of €168m for the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sector to mitigate against the direct financial impact of COVID-19 on our Universities, institutions, colleges and students in 2020. This package includes additional funding of €3m to underpin well-being and mental health and student services in our higher education institutions, and is in addition to the €2m that was allocated in Budget 2020. This overall funding of €5m comes at a time of great urgency in relation to student support and re-opening of our higher education institutions.
In addition, the Higher Education Authority, assisted by a broad range of stakeholders, including the Health Service Executive, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Health Service Executive, the USI, Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland, institutional representatives, and my Department has been preparing a National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. I expect that this Framework will be published in coming weeks.
