Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are several points with which I fully agree. The cost of living and accommodation crises undoubtedly are putting extra mental strain on third level students. Are there any programmes that are currently in place that are working well and that could be rolled out to a greater degree, maybe across all colleges? Has there been a case study done on a particular programme that has worked well that could be applied elsewhere as a template?

I know from meeting Union of Students in Ireland, USI, representatives every year that mental health is a massive issue. The union is very much involved with the students in doing what it can to fill gaps. Is there much collaboration between the witnesses and the USI and student unions? That would be key in terms of improving things and putting preventative measures in place. Collaboration can yield results.

My final point is that we need an awareness campaign. Many students still feel there is a stigma associated with mental health. While progress has been made, unfortunately that stigma is still there. Is there a national campaign in which the witnesses are involved that is trying to raise more awareness and take away that stigma?