Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On overhauling SUSI, the programme for Government commits to a fundamental reform to student support structures. I hope we can make progress on this in the coming period.

Deputy Brendan Smith is correct that we must be much more visible in terms of students knowing how to access these supports. I encourage everybody, including every Deputy, to direct people towards yourmentalhealth.ie. For the first time, we have a 24-7 text line for people who are experiencing mental health challenges. We must also talk more about how this pandemic is having an impact on everyone's mental health and well-being. Sometimes students, and everyone else, can feel they are the only ones feeling that way but that is not the case.

I will examine the issue Deputy Niamh Smyth raised regarding Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute. The counties the Deputies represent, like my county, do not have a university but they do great work through further education. I will talk to SOLAS and revert to the Deputy on the matter.

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