TD says access to mental health supports vital for all Higher Education students

Padraig Conlon 09 Sep 2020

Dublin Mid West TD Mark Ward has reiterated his calls for funding for mental health supports in higher education institutions.

Deputy Ward, who is Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, wants to ensure that the money goes to where it is needed and does not get lost in red tape and bureaucracy.

His calls come ahead of the CAO offers which will be announced on Friday.

“It was announced by the government  recently with  great fanfare that over €5 million was secured for student mental health supports in institutions of higher education nationwide,” he said.

“The CAO offers are out on Friday and the Minister needs to insure there is a mental health strategy in place for when students begin the next leg of their educational journey.

“It is vitally important that the additional funding of €3 million that was recently announced goes straight to the colleges so they can provide the much-needed mental health supports for students

“And whilst any additional funding for mental health supports is welcome it is worth noting that this is not new funding.

“€2 million of this funding is old money.

“It was money was already promised to institutions by Minister Harris’ predecessors in 2019.”

Deputy Ward said the system in place at present is not working.

“It is vitally important that the additional funding of €3 million that was recently announced goes straight to the colleges so they can provide the much-needed mental health supports for students,” he said.

“Student Counselling Services (SCS) are doing a good job but are highly stretched and under-resourced. These services are highly valued by students but access to these services can be a challenge.

“Waiting nine weeks for an appointment to see a counsellor is not good enough.

“Early intervention is the key in preventing more acute mental health issues from manifesting.

“Higher Education like many other institutions will find it hard to operate when online or blended learning is the only options.

“Access to Mental Health supports are not just needed for the class of 2020 but for all students in Higher Education.”

 

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