Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will follow up on one of the Chair's points about the act of consent as it is important. It is true. We are hearing stories now that were probably hidden before on our campuses. It is shocking and it should never be accepted. Like all things, it should be a zero policy. We have to manage this as best we can. The University of Galway, through Dr. Pádraig McNeela, is rolling out the consenthub.iewebsite and it was launched at an event last year. Students at second level can access the website as well. There are elements for people aged under 17, as well as for young people in college. It is probably linked in because I assume they are working with THEA, IUA and all the colleges about how to roll this out. It is available online for all. Perhaps the witnesses will comment on how this is managed in colleges. I might be interested in that.

Regarding the colleges under HECA, we passed the Higher Education Authority Act, which is landmark legislation that looks at our third level landscape as we move into the future. There are opportunities for independent colleges to be designated. Designation is something colleges can consider, working with the Government on how to access other types of services. Will Ms O'Sullivan comment on the designation status and how colleges that she represents might be able to engage in that process and with the supports that may come from it, such as the student supports she has mentioned for mental health?

The reason I am focusing on text and online services is that students sometimes do not feel able to speak to a trusted adult or person. It can be a difficult transition. On the transitional piece, will Ms O'Sullivan provide an example, perhaps from one of the HECA colleges, of how student counsellors engage with first, second and third years? Are there different examples of engagement? Also will she speak about clubs and societies? That is a fantastic part of college, is it not, where students learn about music and all kinds of things? I remember that colleges used to promote that engagement and encourage students to take part in that as part of their full college experience. How is that going in universities now that everything has opened up again? There are a few comments in that, in how universities can take a lead. Are any supports available to help students and parents to see that type of life exists at third level?

If there is time, will each of the witnesses answer? Will Ms Fox answer first?