Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. My first question is for the IUA. In her opening statement Professor Dooley said that students from less well-off backgrounds are more likely to suffer from mental health issues and that financial pressure is a leading contributing factor to mental health issues. We all know that rent is now one of the biggest barriers to third level education. It is also one of the greatest causes of financial difficulty and not only for students. Does Professor Dooley agree that the housing crisis in general and the student accommodation crisis are contributing to mental health issues among students? Is there any sign that those who have to travel to college are more likely to suffer from mental health issues? I have been contacted by many students and parents from smaller towns and rural areas who are struggling. I know the pressure this puts on them. What is the experience of Professor Dooley? Are we measuring it?

I am very concerned about a number of students who have contacted me. They wanted to defer because they could not get accommodation at their colleges. Blocks have been put in the way of deferral and the students have been told they have to go ahead. There are financial implications in terms of SUSI and perhaps not qualifying the following year. There is a huge crisis and a problem. The system is set up in a way that further exacerbates what is happening to the particular students I am speaking about.