Monday, 12 November 2007

Is léir ón eolas atá le fáil i dtuarascáil taighde nua atá foilsithe ag Comhpháirtíocht Chathair na Gaillimhe agus an Grúpa Stiúrtha um Thaighde ar Theaghlaigh Aontuismitheora go bhfuil neart dúshlán le sárú ag tuismitheoirí aonair a dteastaíonn uathu filleadh ar fhostaíocht – dúshláin a bhaineann le teacht ar fhostaíocht, oiliúint agus oideachas. Inniu sheol an tUasal Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., An tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, an taighde seo a rinne Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh OÉ Gaillimh i gCathair agus i gContae na Gaillimhe. Dúirt an Dr Michelle Millar ón Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh in OÉ Gaillimh, "Is léir ón taighde seo go bhfuil na tuismitheoirí seo toilteanach oibriú lasmuigh den bhaile. Ach i measc na n-ábhar imní a bhíonn le déileáil acu tá an tionchar a bheidh ag an gcinneadh sin ar na leanaí, agus an deacracht a bhaineann le fostaíocht fheiliúnach, pháirtaimseartha a fháil. Dúshláin eile fós iad áiseanna cúram leanaí inacmhainne agus inrochtana a fháil, mar aon leis an tsáinn bhochtaineachta a chruthaíonn an forlíonadh cíosa – dúshláin a chiallaíonn go mbíonn an-chuid deacrachtaí ag tuismitheoirí aonair obair a fháil – obair a chiallaíonn go mbeidh siad níos fearr as." Is é seo an chéad chineál taighde dá leithéid in Éirinn agus is i gcomhthéacs mórathruithe beartais a tugadh faoi. Moltar i bPlépháipéar an Rialtais: Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents go mbeidh leasú mór i gceist i dtacaíocht leasa do thuismitheoirí aonair de dheasca athruithe beartais. San áireamh sna moltaí seo bheadh coinníollacht san íocaíocht, agus síltear go mbeidh tuismitheoirí aonair páirteach sa mhargadh fostaíochta nuair a bheidh a leanaí ag teannadh leis an uasteorainn aoise d'íocaíocht an Liúntais Tuismitheora. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Elaine Harvey, Cathaoirleach an Ghrúpa Stiúrtha um Thaighde ar Theaghlaigh Aontuismitheora ag an seoladh, "Is é dearcadh na dtuismitheoirí gurb é an príomhról atá acu feidhmiú mar phríomhchúramóirí dá leanaí, agus bunaithe ar an méid sin, baineann an oiread céanna tábhachta le cúram leanaí inacmhainne agus dearcadh solúbtha fostóirí agus a bhaineann le fostaíocht a fháil. Is léir ón taighde go dteastaíonn ó thuismitheoirí aonair a bheith ag obair – is é an dúshlán atá ann oibriú i gcomhar le tuismitheoirí agus bealaí a aimsiú le rochtain ar fhostaíocht, ar oideachas agus ar oiliúint a aithint. Ina dhiaidh sin, ní mór bealaí réalaíocha a aithint chun na bacainní sin a shárú. Creidimid gur cheart gur próiseas deonach a bheadh sa phróiseas gníomhachtúcháin seo agus is ceart aird a dhíriú ar an bpointe gur lorg 46% díobh siúd a rinne an suirbhé fostaíochta le 12 mhí anuas." Dúirt an tAire Ó Cuív, "Is iomaí dúshlán atá le sárú ag tuismitheoirí aonair sa lá atá inniu ann, agus níl i gceist le fostaíocht a fháil ach ceann de na dúshláin seo. Foinse eolais a bheidh sa taighde seo do lucht déanta beartas agus fostóirí go deimhin, maidir leis na dúshláin atá le sárú ag teaghlaigh aontuismitheora agus na bealaí ar féidir cabhrú leo." Tugadh faoin taighde seo ar mhaithe le heolas iontaofa a sholáthar maidir le saol tuismitheoirí aonair i gCathair agus i gContae na Gaillimhe. San áireamh sa taighde seo bhí agallaimh agus ceistneoirí le tuismitheoirí, lucht déanta beartas agus soláthraithe seirbhíse agus aimsíodh nach bhfeabhsóidh cúrsaí bochtaineachta agus folláine leanaí ach amháin má thagann feabhas ar ioncam an teaghlaigh de dheasca filleadh ar fhostaíocht. Dúirt Declan Brassil, Bainisteoir Chomhpháirtíocht Chathair na Gaillimhe, "Ceann de na bacainní bunúsacha is ea easpa fostaíocht sholúbtha a chiallaíonn go mbíonn an teaghlach níos fearr as. Bíonn deacrachtaí ag tuismitheoirí fostaíocht sholúbtha, ar ardchaighdeán agus le tuarastal maith a fháil, mar aon le fostaíocht pháirtaimseartha agus a fheileann do shaol teaghlaigh, agus a fheileann d'uaireanta scoile agus laethanta saoire scoile. Tá sé níos deacra fós ag tuismitheoirí atá lonnaithe i gceantair thuaithe. Is é a mholtar sa tuarascáil gur cheart dul i gcomhairle le fostóirí chun an t-éileamh atá ar phoist sholúbtha, pháirtaimseartha a phlé agus ansin go bhféadfaí fostóirí áitiúla a spreagadh dul i gcomhairle leis an nGrúpa Stiúrtha um Thaighde ar Theaghlaigh Aontuismitheora." Moltar sa tuarascáil gur cheart áiseanna breise, inacmhainne, pobalbhunaithe cúram leanaí a sholáthar, mar aon le bealaí cruthaitheacha inar féidir cúram a sholáthar lasmuigh den bhaile do leanaí níos sine agus ógánaigh a iniúchadh agus a chur i bhfeidhm. Teastaíonn ó thuismitheoirí a bheith páirteach i gcúrsaí oiliúna agus oideachais agus ní mór go mbeadh cúrsaí den chineál seo ar siúl ag am a fheileann dóibh féin agus dá leanaí, agus bheadh cúrsaí páirtaimseartha a bhíonn ar siúl nuair a bhíonn na leanaí ar scoil feiliúnach sa chás seo. D'fheilfeadh sé do thuismitheoirí atá ag cur fúthu i gceantair thuaithe dá mbeadh cúrsaí ar siúl sa cheantar áitiúil. D'áireodh soláthraithe oideachais agus oiliúna an fhéidearthacht a bhainfeadh le socrúchán oibre nó taithí oibre maoirsithe ar mhaithe le tacú le daoine an ról atá acu mar thuismitheoirí a chomhlíonadh. Thug tuismitheoirí áirithe le fios gur bhain deacrachtaí le déileáil le heagraíochtaí agus gníomhaireachtaí de bhrí nach raibh fonn orthu eolas a thabhairt maidir le teidlíochtaí agus seirbhísí, cé nach raibh locht ar bith ag roinnt tuismitheoirí ar an modh ar dhéileáil soláthraithe reachtúla seirbhíse leo. Moltar sa tuarascáil seo gur cheart leabhrán agus láithreán gréasáin a fhoilsiú ar mhaithe le heolas a thabhairt do thuismitheoirí aonair. Ina theannta sin, moltar gur cheart don Roinn Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh na leabhráin seo a thabhairt dóibh siúd atá ag fáil Íocaíocht Teaghlach Aontuismitheora. Ba cheart go mbeadh eolas sa leabhrán seo agus ar an láithreán gréasáin maidir le sochair, teidlíochtaí, deiseanna oideachais agus oiliúna, tacaíocht chun filleadh ar an margadh fostaíochta, agus sonraí teagmhála na ngníomhaireachtaí ar fad atá ag obair le tuismitheoirí aonair. Ba cheart grúpaí tacaíochta áitiúla a bhunú i gCathair agus i gContae na Gaillimhe ionas gur féidir le tuismitheoirí aonair tacú lena chéile go neamhbhreithiúnach agus i dtimpeallacht dheas. Is léir ón taighde seo freisin go bhfuil difríochtaí le sonrú idir eispéiris tuismitheoirí aonair atá lonnaithe sa chathair agus iad siúd atá lonnaithe faoin tuath. I measc na bpríomhdhifríochtaí bhí rochtain agus soghluaisteacht de bhrí gur i gCathair na Gaillimhe agus sna bailte níos mó i gCo. na Gaillimhe atá go leor de na poist, seirbhísí agus cláir oideachais bunaithe – rud a chruthaíonn deacrachtaí do thuismitheoirí aonair atá ag cur fúthu faoin tuath. Is léir freisin go mbaineann an-tábhacht le líonraí tacaíochta sóisialta, agus go gcabhraíonn seantuismitheoirí agus gaolta eile go mór le tuismitheoirí aonair. Seoladh an suirbhé chuig an 3,144 duine atá ag fáil an Íocaíocht Teaghlach Aontuismitheora i gCathair agus i gContae na Gaillimhe agus seoladh 676 (22%) suirbhé ar ais againn. Críoch

Monday, 5 November 2007

NUI Galway will host Irish Aid's Third Level Conference 'Development's Futures', from 24-25 November 2007. Minister of State for Overseas Development, Michael Kitt T.D., will officially open the event, which will be attended by some 200 practitioners and academics working in the field of international development and development education. The keynote address will be delivered by Michael Edwards, Director of the Governance and Civil Society Program at the Ford Foundation, one of the world's leading philanthropic foundations. Other speakers will include award-winning journalist Palagummi Sainath of The Hindu, who has been described as 'the conscience of the Indian nation'. An exhibition of his photographs on the theme of 'Women & Work in Rural India' will go on public display in conjunction with the conference. The conference aims to improve links between different sectors of the development community, with an emphasis on the importance of research to educators, practitioners and scholars alike. Over 80 papers reflecting the latest research and practice in development education and in international development issues will be presented over the two days of the conference. Panel sessions will also take place on topics including HIV/AIDS; Crisis and Conflict; Education Policies in Africa; NGO Partnerships for Poverty Reduction; Gender Perspectives; Environment; Volunteering; and Food Security. Welcoming the announcement of the conference, Minister of State Kitt said, "This conference is part of Irish Aid's commitment to promote development education in universities and other third-level institutions in Ireland. I am confident that it will facilitate contacts and networking between both third-level development education practitioners and academics working in the field of international development". According to conference convenor Dr. Su-ming Khoo, Department of Sociology and Political Science, NUI Galway, "This event will give international researchers, educators, practitioners and activists an opportunity to explore what the future holds for development. There is an onus on third-level institutions to engage with the development issues and support organisations and individuals to advance development cooperation through research and knowledge sharing". The registration fee for the conference has been heavily subsidised (€50 full fee or €25 for students), and those interested in attending should register as soon as possible at www.conference.ie. -ends-

Thursday, 20 December 2007

NUI Galway to co-ordinate Irish activities Today the United Nations (UN) 62nd General Assembly proclaimed 2009 the 'International Year of Astronomy'. The Resolution was submitted by Italy, Galileo Galilei's home country, and was co-sponsored by Ireland. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is an initiative of the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO. The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of this celebration is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe: Yours to Discover". National Nodes in each country have been formed to prepare activities for 2009. In Ireland this will be headed by Professor Michael Redfern, Centre for Astronomy, NUI Galway. Professor Redfern will establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres, educators and science communicators in preparing activities for 2009. Professor Redfern said, "We are proud that Ireland is a co-sponsor of the motion that went before the UN, and a collaborator in IYA2009. In Ireland, we will focus on showing the universal appeal of astronomy to the public, and use the year to encourage more students to consider science as a career. As part of the process we will seek to provide a modern gender-balanced view of science and scientists, and will work especially hard to support our colleagues in the developing world who will also be using IYA2009 to promote science education at all levels." Professor Redfern added, "IYA2009 will also highlight global cooperation for peaceful purposes. For millennia, astronomers have worked together across boundaries including those of geography, gender, age, culture and race. These are precisely the principles embodied in the UN Charter. In that sense, astronomy is a classic example of how science can contribute towards furthering international cooperation." So far 99 nations and 14 organisations have signed up to participate in the IYA2009 – an unprecedented network of committed communicators and educators in astronomy. The President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Catherine Cesarsky, says, "The International Year of Astronomy 2009 gives all nations a chance to participate in this ongoing exciting scientific and technological revolution." For more information on the 'International Year of Astronomy 2009' please visit the website at http://www.astronomy2009.org/ For information on Irish activities in IYA2009 visit the website at http://www.astronomy2009.ie/ ENDS

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

The National University of Ireland, Galway reports an excellent year for technology transfer activities in 2007, as measured by license agreements, spin-out companies, new invention disclosures, patent applications, collaborative projects with industry and support to campus company formation. Commenting on the success during 2007, Dr Daniel O'Mahony, Director, Technology Transfer office, said, "The achievements of 2007 reflect the dedication, commitment and professionalism of the entire TTO staff in accelerating value creation and technology commercialization, the commitment of the research community at NUI Galway to excellence in applied research programmes and support of collaborative projects with industry, university support to basic and applied research programmes, along with the ability and mandate of the TTO team to capitalise on the R&D outputs arising from funding support from Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, IDA and other funding bodies over the past three to five years". Licensing In the past year the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) executed twenty-four (24) license and option agreements across a range of technology areas including various molecular diagnostic technologies, waste water treatment technologies, metal oxide coating technology, wave to energy technology, error correction code technology, wind blade and composite technology, enzyme technology to convert biomass to bio-energy, advance person recognition technology, technology for integration of medical equipment and data records in hospital systems, amongst others. In addition a number of start-up companies were formed following licensing of technologies and intellectual property from NUI Galway including Eirzyme Ltd, Theta Chemicals Ltd, Syncrophi Ltd, with a number of other spin-out companies at late stage negotiation. License income increased ten (10) fold year-on-year. Awards A further measure of the commercialization activities at NUI Galway was recognized at the Enterprise Ireland Annual Conference on Industrial Products where researchers from the University secured four (4) of the eight (8) awards given out in recognition of technology development and technology commercialization including awards to: Dr Michael Rodgers, Department of Civil Engineering; Dr Jimmy McManus and Professor Des Cunningham (RIP), Department of Chemistry; and Dr Conchúr O'Bradaigh, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. Each year a special bursary is awarded at this conference to the Principal Investigator who through their research has made a substantial contribution to Irish society and industry and this year Dr Michael Rodgers received this prestigious award for his research on Waste Water Treatment systems. Invention During 2007 some thirty (30) new invention disclosures were lodged by researchers at NUI Galway with the TTO, many with multiple inventions, contributing to thirty (30) patent applications filed. In total ninety-five (95) confidential disclosure agreements (CDAs) and thirty-five (35) materials transfer agreements (MTAs) were also executed with industry. To support technology commercialization the TTO also invested in the Inteum IP Management System and reconfigured its Incubation facility to provide incubation and bio-incubation space for 24 companies in ICT and engineering and 6 life-sciences / biotech companies. Partnership During the past year the Technology Transfer Initiative (TTI) team at the TTO, supported by a grant from Enterprise Ireland, secured in excess of 30 Enterprise Ireland funded Innovation Partnership R&D collaborative projects with industry, spread across small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and Multi National companies (MNCs). In addition a number of other major collaborative projects with industry were supported through the TTO including IDA-supported projects between Smith & Nephew with the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) and a collaborative project between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), NUI Galway and TCD. During 2007 the TTO also secured a number of grants to support its activities including a grant from Enterprise Ireland to hire three (3) additional Commercialization Executives funded by Enterprise Ireland, which complement the existing team of three (3) Commercialization Executives and Administrative team funded directly by NUI Galway. Entrepreneurial Support In 2007 the TTO launched a 'New Entrepreneurial Forum' with programmes being run in two stages. Stage one of the programme is a new eight week Campus Commercialization Programme (CCP) tailored to the needs of the research community on campus. The vision and philosophy of this CCP programme is to provide researchers and emerging entrepreneurs on campus with some of the fundamental knowledge and skill-sets in the pursuit of enterprise development. There is a strong focus on market assessments and the delivery of tailored solutions and technology offerings to the market on time. The team has developed a unique product offering for researchers and look forward to opening up this programme to other campuses across the BMW region. Two CCP's were run in 2007, involving a total of 26 participants across a spectrum of NUI Galway key research sectors, including Web2.0, biomedical, renewable energy, applied optics, marine sciences, and power electronics. Stage two is designed to support the "migration of researchers to entrepreneurs" with kick-off in December 2007. Fourteen Entrepreneurs are being guided though the commercialization process bringing their business concepts to a reality, either in the form of a start-up, progression to HPSU status or licensing out their technology to a 3rd party. This New Entrepreneurial Forum is funded through a combination of grant support from the Western Development Commission (WDC) and Údarás na Gaeltachta along with central support from the TTO. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Collaboration The TTO also kicked off a new collaborative pilot programme for early stage researchers on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization of Research & Technology Transfer with UCC and TCD. This module is part of a HEA SIF phase 1 funded project, with an objective of developing key transferable generic skills and high level training modules. This project is ongoing for three years and is funded by the HEA. This programme will be utilised by the TTO as a mechanism of developing the entrepreneurial minded graduate at an early stage in the academic lifecycle. The TTO is also part of the Lionra 'Business Mentoring for Winners' BMW project where funds have been given to support our Campus Innovation Centre companies. The funding secured through the TTO in 2007 was to allow some eligible companies access independent expert advice on ways to increase their commercial potential, covering areas such as product development, funding opportunities, licensing, sales process amongst others. Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said, "These achievements in technology commercialization in 2007 ranks NUI Galway as a leading university in terms of technology commercialization per every €1million invested in research". Professor Jim Browne, Registrar and Deputy President at NUI Galway, said, "When NUI Galway established the TTO office in late 2005 our vision was that the office would identify, protect and commercialize the intellectual property outputs and assets of the university and put a strategy in place to deliver on this mandate. During 2006 the TTO put the dedicated team, infrastructure, framework, procedures and policies in place to deliver on this vision. During 2007 the TTO executed this vision and strategy with excellent results and we look forward further growing the licensing activities and technology commercialization in the coming year". ENDS

Monday, 17 December 2007

Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced 8 awards for NUI Galway in the recent funding awards of €44.55 million, creating 67 new research posts in Higher Education Institutes, under the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Stokes Professorship and Lectureship Programme. Of the 8 NUI Galway awardees, three will take up their positions between January and March 2008: Prof. George Reid, who received Professor of Cancer Biology; Lokesh Joshi who received Professor of Glyoscience; and Andrea Erxleben who received lectureship in Medicinal Chemistry. Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said, "The success in the Stokes competition consolidates the research achievements of NUI Galway and adds greatly to our capacity to attract future research funding and to supervise PhD students."

Monday, 17 December 2007

NUI Galway claimed top awards in the Industrial Products Sector where their inventors claimed 4 of the 8 awards presented at this year's event. The awards presented were as follows: Dr Michael Rodgers, Department of Civil Engineering (Licence of a Waste Water Technology to Envirocare Ltd); Dr Jimmy McManus & Professor Des Cunningham (RIP) Department of Chemistry, (Licence of a Metal Oxide Technology to the start-up company Theta Chemicals Ltd.); Dr Conchur O'Bradaigh, Department of Mechanical Engineering (Licence of a Wind Turbine Blade Technology to EireComposities Ltd). Each year a special bursary is awarded to the Principal Investigator who through their research has made a substantial contribution to Irish society and industry. This year Dr Michael Rodgers received this prestigious award for his research on Waste Water Treatment systems.

Friday, 14 December 2007

The annual NUI Galway Alumni Association Christmas Gathering takes place from 5-7pm on Thursday, 20 December, in the Aula Maxima. Now in its third year, all graduates are invited to the event to catch up with old friends over mulled wine and mince pies. This year's Alumni Association Christmas Gathering will feature Christmas carols performed by the Orbsen Choir. The choir is comprised of a mix of undergraduates, postgraduates, as well as recent alumni and is led by former University Choral Society auditor, Peter Mannion. According to Mike Gaffney, Chairperson of the Alumni Association Board, "Coming back to NUI Galway at this time of year is a wonderful experience especially as a graduate. Unlike your time spent here as a student, there are no exams to worry about and you never know who you'll bump into". All graduates are encouraged to come along, bring a friend, and pass on the message to former classmates. For further details contact Sheila Gorham on 091 493750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie - ends -

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

Seven new specialised undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degrees NUI Galway has officially launched its 'CONNECT Programme', consisting of seven new specialised undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degrees. Designed to increase the employability of graduates, the four-year programmes will develop distinctive skills and provide real world experience by creating connections for students with life beyond the campus. The seven new CONNECT degrees are: BA with Children's Studies; BA with Creative Writing; BA with Film Studies; BA with Human Rights; BA with Irish Studies; BA with Theatre and Performance; and BA with Women's Studies. The degrees will immerse students in their chosen field and include a full year of educational placement in the community, portfolio preparation, creative practice, study abroad, service-learning or work experience within Non-Governmental Organisations. According to Professor Kevin Barry, the Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, "The new CONNECT programmes will enable students to engage in a very practical way with their most passionate interests, and to develop their confidence in the public sphere. Whether they choose Theatre and Performance, Children's Studies, Human Rights, or Film, in each CONNECT programme students will enjoy active participation both on campus and in the world of work". Professor Barry added "NUI Galway, and the city of Galway itself, have developed very strong resources in these areas, as well as in Irish Studies, Creative Writing and Women's Studies. The CONNECT programmes are designed to open these resources for the first time to a new generation of undergraduate students". In the first year of a BA CONNECT Programme each student will select three subjects and a specialism. Each CONNECT student group will meet weekly in an active learning environment to engage with their chosen specialism, under the guidance of the Programme Director. In second year, students continue with two subjects and their chosen specialism. In third year students will pursue their specialism in a choice of environment that may include: on-campus and off-campus learning opportunities; study at a partner university in North America, the UK or Europe; placement with public bodies (for example, Non Governmental Organisations) and work experience within the creative industries of film and drama. In fourth year, students will complete their studies in their two Degree subjects and incorporate in their final projects knowledge gained in the specialist study they have followed in the previous years. -ends-

Monday, 10 December 2007

Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €6m for Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, National University of Ireland, Galway and for the university's sub-centres operating in the Gaeltacht. This grant is being provided to enable the Acadamh to develop and promote its Irish language measures. The Minister said that the Acadamh greatly enhances the Irish langauge educational opportunities available to Gaeltacht and Irish language communities and that it has a very positive impact on the social, economic and cultural lives, as well as on the language, of those communities in general. With regard to language planning, the activities of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge greatly assist the various Gaeltacht communities through the courses it provides in that area and through the research and consultancy services it provides to various organisations. NUI Galway has set out a challenging approach to third level education through Irish in its Strategic Plan. Third level accredited courses will be offered fully through Irish in various locations within and outside the Gaeltacht. Minister Ó Cuív said that third level education through Irish is dealing with the erosion of rural communities and reinforcing the status and profile of the Irish language. "New language-friendly employment is promoted. The Acadamh has a central role in supporting the community development process and in developing a language-centred Gaeltacht infrastructure," according to the Minister. He added that he is delighted to provide this assistance, especially in the context of course delivery costs through Irish being higher than course delivery costs through English.

Monday, 10 December 2007

Tá deontas ar fiú €6m thar tréimhse trí bliana ceadaithe ag Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., an tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, d'Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh agus na fo-ionaid ollscoile atá ag feidhmiú sa Ghaeltacht. Cuireadh an deontas seo ar fáil mar chúnamh dóibh chun a gcuid beartais ar mhaithe leis an nGaeilge a fhorbairt agus a chur chun cinn. Dúirt an tAire go gcuireann an tAcadamh go mór leis na deiseanna oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge atá ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge agus go mbíonn tionchar thar a bheith dearfach acu ar shaol sóisialta, eacnamaíoch, cultúrtha agus teanga na bpobal sin trí chéile. I gcás na pleanála teanga, cuidíonn gníomhaíochtaí Acadaimh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge go mór le pobail éagsúla sa Ghaeltacht, trí na cúrsaí a chuireann siad ar fáil sa réimsí sin agus trí na seirbhisí taighde & comhairleacht a chuireann siad ar fáil d'eagraíochtaí éagsúla. Tá cur chuige dúshlánach leagtha amach ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh don ollscolaíocht trí Ghaeilge ina Plean Straitéiseach. Beidh cúrsaí creidiúnaithe tríú leibhéal á dtairiscint go hiomlán trí Ghaeilge in ionaid éagsúla laistigh agus lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Dúirt an tAire Ó Cuív go bhfuil an ollscolaíocht Ghaeilge ag dul i ngleic le creimeadh an phobail tuaithe agus ag láidriú staid agus próifíl na Gaeilge. "Cuirtear fostaíocht nua chun cinn atá teanga-chairdiúil. Tá ról lárnach ag an Acadamh ag tacú leis an bpróiséas forbartha pobail agus ag cruthú bonneagar Gaeltachta atá teanga lárnaithe," a deir an tAire. Dúirt sé go raibh áthas air an cúnamh seo a chur ar fáil go háirithe i gcomhthéacs costais seachadtha chúrsaí trí Ghaeilge a bheith níos airde ná costais chúrsaí a sheachadtar trí Bhéarla.

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Tá na sonraí is déanaí maidir le naoú Mórfhéasta bliantúil OÉ Gaillimh fógartha – imeacht a bheidh ar siúl in Óstán an Radisson SAS Dé Sathairn, an 1 Márta 2008. Díreoidh téama Mhórfhéasta 2008 ar thiomantas na hOllscoile do chúrsaí spóirt anseo ar an gcampas. Measann formhór na mac léinn anseo go gcuireann comhaltacht agus/nó rannpháirtíocht i gcúrsaí spóirt go mór leis an am a chaitheann siad in OÉ Gaillimh. Is iomaí buntáiste a bhaineann le comhaltacht agus/nó rannpháirtíocht i gcúrsaí spóirt – sláinte, folláine, comhluadar agus forbairt phearsanta – mar aon le háis úsáideach chun cothroime a bhaint amach idir an saol oibre agus an saol acadúil. Dúirt an tOllamh Ger Hurley, Leas-Uachtarán um Thionscnaimh Straitéiseacha agus Gnóthaí Seachtracha, OÉ Gaillimh, "Is é atá mar aidhm againn anseo in OÉ Gaillimh rogha spóirt a sholáthar don uile dhuine agus spreagadh a thabhairt do mhic léinn leas a bhaint as na hacmhainní atá le fáil ar an gcampas – is léir anois go bhfuil feabhas mór ag teacht ar an hacmhainní atá ar fáil de bhrí go bhfuil Ionad Spóirt nua á fhorbairt i láthair na huaire. Tá an bhéim a leagtar ar rannpháirtíocht mac léinn i gcúrsaí spóirt ag teacht le héiteas OÉ Gaillimh – is é sin gurb é an phríomhfhreagracht atá orainn leas agus folláine ár mac léinn." Dúirt an tOllamh Hurley, "bunaithe ar théama Mhórfhéasta 2008, trí urraíocht fhlaithiúil ó Aer Arann, tá ar ár gcumas an t-ochtú duais a bhronnadh – Duais Alumni Aer Arann d'Éachtaí agus Ceannaireacht Spóirt." Ceann de bhuaicphointí an imeachta, atá anois ar mhórimeacht náisiúnta agus ceann de phríomhimeachtaí sóisialta Iarthar na hÉireann, é bronnadh na nDuaiseanna Alumni gach bliain. Ceiliúrann na duaiseanna seo an tábhacht a bhaineann le hoideachas OÉ Gaillimh ar feadh an tsaoil agus tugann sé aitheantas d'fheabhas agus d'éachtaí daoine aonair i measc 65,000 céimí na hOllscoile atá scaipthe ar fud an domhain. Seo a leanas liosta de bhuaiteoirí na n-ocht nduais alumni atá le bronnadh ag Mórfhéasta 2008: Duais Hewlett-Packard don Ghaeilge Gráinne Seoige, Craoltóir Duais TBD don Innealtóireacht, an Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise agus an Mhatamaitic John Ryan, Cathaoirleach an Bhoird, Macrovision Corporation Duais Bhanc na hÉireann don Ghnó & an Tráchtáil Brian Joyce, Cathaoirleach, Clancourt Holdings; Stiúrthóir, Kingspan Duais Seavite don Eolaíocht Dúlra An Dr Peter Heffernan, Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Fhoras na Mara Duais AIB don Litríocht, an Chumarsáid & na hEalaíona Julian Gough, Úrscéalaí agus Ceoltóir Duais OÉ Gaillimh don Dlí, an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus an Rialtas Séamus Brennan, An tAire Ealaíon, Spóirt agus Turasóireachta Duais Medtronic don Chúram Sláinte agus an Eolaíocht Mhíochaine An Dr Frank Giles, Príomhoifigeach na Roinne Haemaiteolaíochta agus na hOinceolaíochta Leighis sa San Antonio Cancer Institute Duais-Aer-Arann-d'Éachtaí-agus-Ceannaireacht-Spóirt Joe McDonagh, Iar-Uachtarán CLG & Sáriománaí Sinsearach -Críoch-

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Details have been announced of NUI Galway's ninth annual Gala Banquet, which will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday, 1 March, 2008. The theme of the 2008 Gala Banquet will focus on the University's commitment to and long history of sport on campus. The majority of students find their membership and/or involvement in sport significantly enhances their NUI Galway experience, with many benefits in terms of health, physical fitness, camaraderie and personal development and a useful aid in balancing the pressures of academic life. Professor Ger Hurley, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said, "Our intention at NUI Galway is to offer sport for all and to encourage all students to benefit from the resources which are provided on campus – facilities which are continually being improved as is evident with the development of the new Sports Centre. The emphasis placed on involving students in sport underlines the ethos of NUI Galway - that our students and their wellbeing are our primary responsibility." Professor Hurley added, "given the theme of Gala Banquet 2008, this year we have, through the generous sponsorship of Aer Arann, added an eighth award – the Aer Arann Alumni Award for Sports Achievement and Leadership." One of the highlights of the evening, which has established itself as a premier national event and one of the key social occasions in the West of Ireland, is the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards. These awards celebrate the life-long value of an NUI Galway education and recognise individual excellence and achievement among the University's more than 65,000 graduates worldwide. The winners of the eight alumni awards to be presented at Gala 2008: Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge Gráinne Seoige, Craoltóir TBD Award for Engineering, IT & Mathematics John Ryan, Chairman of the Board, Macrovision Corporation Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce Brian Joyce, Chairman, Clancourt Holdings; Director, Kingspan Seavite Award for Natural Science Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute AIB Award for Literature, Communication & the Arts Julian Gough, Novelist and Musician NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government Seamus Brennan, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Medtronic Award for Healthcare & Medical Science Dr Frank Giles, Chief of the Division of Haematology and Medical Oncology at the San Antonio Cancer Institute Aer Arann Award for Sports Achievement and Leadership Joe McDonagh, Former GAA President & Champion Senior Hurler -ENDS-

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Tá clár céime nua agus nuálaíoch – clár a bheidh á reáchtáil trí mheán na Gaeilge – seolta ag Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh agus Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn. Beidh an clár seo ar siúl in ionad Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i nGaoth Dobhair, Co. Dhún na nGall agus is i mí Mheán Fómhair 2008 a chuirfear tús leis. D'fhógair Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh sonraí an chláir nua seo ag an searmanas bronnta a bhí ar siúl i nGaoth Dobhair i mbliana. Dúirt sé go raibh áthas air a bheith i nGaoth Dobhair ag searmanas bronnta do mhic léinn an Acadaimh don tríú bliain as a chéile agus go raibh áthas air a fhógairt "go mbeidh céim iomlán ollscoile á thairiscint ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge den chéad uair riamh i nGaoth Dobhair an bhliain seo chugainn. Tá áthas ar leith orainn go bhfuil ar ár gcumas an B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó a thairiscint i gcomhar le hInstitiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn. Is éard atá ar bun againn i ndáiríre acmhainní an dá institiúid a úsáid chun clár maith céime trí mheán na Gaeilge a sholáthar san Iarthuaisceart." Tharraing an tUasal Paul Hannigan, Uachtarán Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn aird ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le comhoibriú idir an dá institiúid tríú leibhéal seo chun an clár nua seo a fhorbairt. "Tá cáil bainte amach ag Scoil Ghnó Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn as feabhas na gcúrsaí gnó a chuirtear ar fáil agus tá os cionn 1,000 mac léinn ag freastal ar ár gcúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime anois. Tá ceann de na ceantair Ghaeltachta is mó sa tír i nDún na nGall agus tá an-áthas orainn a bheith ag comhoibriú le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh chun cúrsa nua céime sa ghnó a sholáthar trí mheán na Gaeilge." Dúirt Pádraig Ó hAoláin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta – atá ag tabhairt tacaíochta don chúrsa – gur léargas eile fós é an tacaíocht atá á soláthar don chlár seo ar thiomantas an Údaráis d'fhorbairt gheilleagrach agus theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta. "Is léir dúinn ar fad gur fágadh na tionscail thraidisiúnta déantúsaíochta ar leataobh agus go ndearnadh damáiste do chúrsaí fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht dá bharr. Ní mór dúinn anois a bheith san iomaíocht sa timpeallacht dhomhanda – áit a mbraitheann dul chun cinn ar leibhéil níos airde eolais agus scileanna. Cabhróidh tionscnaimh cosúil leis an gcúrsa céime seo le muintir na Gaeltachta déileáil leis na dúshláin nua seo, agus ní hamháin tionscail ardleibhéil a mhealladh ach gnóthaí a bhunú iad féin." Dúirt Éamonn Mac Niallais, Riarthóir Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair, "Cúrsa ceithre bliana atá anseo agus is é atá mar aidhm againn na scileanna praiticiúla agus anailíseacha a theastaíonn le feidhmiú i ngnó agus timpeallacht riaracháin dhátheangaigh a thabhairt dár gcéimithe." "Le blianta beaga anuas, tá méadú as cuimse tagtha ar na deiseanna fostaíochta atá ar fáil in eagraíochtaí atá ag feidhmiú trí mheán na Gaeilge, sa Ghaeltacht agus lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Is léir mar sin gur féidir le céimithe an chúrsa céime seo a bheith ag súil le deiseanna iontacha fostaíochta amach anseo." Tá tuilleadh eolais faoin B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó le fáil ag www.acadamh.ie nó trí theagmháil a dhéanamh le hIonad Ghaoth Dobhair ag 074 9531919 nó ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig gaothdobhair@oegaillimh.ie. – Críoch –

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

A new and innovative Irish-medium degree programme has been launched by the National University of Ireland, Galway and Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT). The programme will run at the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge centre in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal starting in September 2008. President of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, announced the launch of the new programme at this year s conferring ceremony in Gaoth Dobhair. He said he was delighted to be in Gaoth Dobhair conferring graduates of the Acadamh for the third year running and was very pleased to be able to announce that, "Next year the first full-time university degree will be offered by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Gaoth Dobhair. We are particularly delighted to be offering the B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó in conjunction with LYIT. In effect we are pooling our resources to provide a very attractive Irish-medium degree programme for the North West." Mr. Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT, also emphasized the importance of the collaboration between both third level institutions in developing this new programme. "The LYIT School of Business has steadily gained widespread recognition for the excellence of its business courses and we currently have over 1,000 students between our undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Donegal has one of the largest Gaeltacht areas in the country and we are delighted to be collaborating with National University of Ireland, Galway in providing a new Irish-medium business course, at degree level." Padraig Ó hAoláin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta who are supporting the programme said that this course was further evidence of the Údaras' commitment to the economic and linguistic development of the Gaeltacht. "We have seen a steady shift away from the traditional manufacturing industries and employment in the Gaeltacht regions has suffered heavily as a result. We have to compete now in a global environment where higher levels of knowledge and skills are the key to success. Initiatives such as this degree course will enable Gaeltacht people to better equip themselves to face these new challenges and to not only attract higher level industries but also to set up in business themselves." Éamonn Mac Niallais, Administrator of Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair, said, "This is a four year course and our aim is to provide our graduates with the practical and analytical skills needed to work in a bilingual business and administration environment. "In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the employment opportunities that are available in organisations functioning through the medium of Irish, in the Gaeltacht and outside of the Gaeltacht. Graduates of this degree course can therefore realistically expect to have access to excellent employment opportunities." Further information about the B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó can be attained at www.acadamh.ie or by contacting Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair at 074 9531919 or email gaothdobhair@oegaillimh.ie . - Ends –

Tuesday, 31 January 2006

NUI Galway is pleased to announce the appointment of Máire Uí Dhroighneáin as Sean-Nós Singer in Residence at the Centre for Irish Studies. A native of Spiddal, Máire received the Gradam Sean Nós Cois na Life in 2004 in recognition of her contribution to the living tradition, both as a performer and as a teacher. She has also won Comórtas na mBan at the Oireachtas and has been runner-up in Corn Uí Riada, the premier award for sean-nós singing. Máire also has extensive experience as an actress, both on stage and screen and is perhaps best known to television audiences for her portrayal of Máire, the sanctimonious shopkeeper, in the popular RTE soap opera, Ros na Rún. Over the past 17 years, Máire has been involved with An Gaelacadamh, teaching children the songs that were passed on to her and which she is now handing on to a new generation, many of who have gone on to compete successfully at the Oireachtas, and at various fleadhanna ceoil. Máire cites her mother Máire Nic an Ríogh, from An Gleann Mór, Carraroe, as a formative influence on her singing style. "She used to sing while she was working around the house or trying to get us to sleep and those are the first songs I can remember. I had her tormented, asking her to sing the same songs over and over again," she said. Other singers to have influenced Máire include; Pat Phádraic, Máire Chólman Nic Dhonnacha, Máire Áine Nic Dhonncha, Tom Ó Conghaile, Máirtín Phatch Ó Cúláin, Seán Mac Donncha and Seosamh Ó hÉanaí. During her residency, Máire will participate in a series of performances and workshops at the Centre for Irish Studies and other venues throughout Connemara and the Aran Islands. She will also record her own work and that of other singers. Workshops at the Centre for Irish Studies will commence on Tuesday 14 February 2006 at 7.00pm and will run until Easter. The project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway.

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

St Angela s College, Sligo has become a College of NUI Galway, with effect from January 1, 2006, under a formal Agreement between the College and the University. This is the first occasion on which an independent educational institution has become a College of a Constituent University of the NUI. The Agreement, which is aimed at expanding the provision of University education and research in the North-West, will ensure a much closer strategic and working relationship between the College and the University, while ensuring an appropriate degree of autonomy for the College and preserving its independent and separate legal status and its traditional ethos. Students of St Angela s College will also be registered as students of NUI Galway, and their degrees and other qualifications (which will, as with all students within the NUI system, be degrees and qualifications of the National University of Ireland) will be awarded by NUI Galway. The existing governance structures of the College will remain in place and there will be no change in the position of staff as employees of St Angela s College. There will be appropriate cross-representation of staff on the academic and governing bodies of the partner institutions, including ex officio membership of Údarás na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) for the President of St Angela s College, with a view to maximising the joint resources of both, in programme development and research, for the benefit of the North-West region. A joint body is also being established to oversee the implementation of the Agreement, including reciprocal use of library, technology and other facilities as appropriate. The Agreement, which is the outcome of discussions in response to an approach by St Angela s College to NUI Galway in recent years, has been welcomed by the staff and governing bodies of both institutions. It has also received the warm support of the Department of Education and Science (which to date has been the funding body for the College), the Higher Education Authority and the Senate of the National University of Ireland. St Angela s College, which has since 1978 been a Recognised College of the NUI, under the oversight of NUI Galway, has ceased to be a Recognised College since December 31, 2005, in consequence of its new status as a College of NUI Galway. St Angela s College, Sligo was founded in 1952 by the Irish Ursuline Union as a training college for teachers of home economics. While its achievements in that area were recognised in 2003 by its being designated by the Minister for Education and Science as henceforth the sole national centre for the training of teachers of Home Economics, with a consequent growth and diversification of its specialisms within that discipline, its educational provision has expanded far beyond that original remit. Today it offers programmes at Bachelor, Master, Higher Diploma and Diploma levels in a wide range of aspects of Home Economics, Education (including Special Education Needs), Nursing (General and Intellectual Disability), Food, Textiles, Fashion and Design; it also provides an Access course for the socioeconomically disadvantaged and cooperates in the delivery onsite of NUI Galway s BA programme in Economic and Social Studies. It also has an important Food Product Development Centre and has been involved in a variety of cross-Border projects, with educational institutions in Northern Ireland. The College currently has an enrolment of 510 fulltime and 300 part-time students and a staff of 90 fulltime and 21 part-time. The St. Angela's College community of staff and students enjoy a scenic and tranquil setting on the shores of Lough Gill in the heart of Sligo's Yeats Country. The College campus is located a short distance from Sligo City, which is a vibrant and rapidly growing social, cultural and commercial centre, with good road, rail and air access. A subsidised bus service transports students to and from the campus at regular intervals from early morning to late evening. The College has demonstrated its commitment to the modernisation of its facilities and infrastructure, with ongoing investment in upgrading its teaching and learning facilities, specialist laboratories, information and communications technology, and a range of student facilities and support structures. Under its President, Dr. Anne Taheny, St. Angela's is currently constructing a €9 million Nursing and Health Studies building funded by the Department of Health and Children. Also under construction is a €12 million student residence complex, which will be ready for occupation in September, 2006.

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

Tá Coláiste San Aingeal, Sligeach ina Choláiste d'Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh ó Eanáir 1, 2006, faoi Chomhaontú foirmiúil idir an Coláiste agus an Ollscoil. Seo an chéad uair go mbeidh institiúid oideachais neamhspleách mar Choláiste ag aon Chomhollscoil de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann. Is í aidhm an Chomhaontaithe ná an soláthar ollscolaíochta agus taighde san Iarthuaisceart a leathnú, agus ciallóidh sé go mbeidh gaol oibre agus straitéiseach i bhfad níos dlúithe idir an Coláiste agus an Ollscoil. Ag an am céanna, cinnteoidh sé go mbeidh féinriail chuí ag an gColáiste agus go gcaomhnófar an stádas dlíthiúil neamhspleách agus leithleach atá ag an gColáiste agus go gcoinneofar a éiteas traidisiúnta slán. Clárófar mic léinn Choláiste San Aingeal ina mic léinn freisin d'Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, agus is ó Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh a gheobhaidh said a gcéimeanna agus a gcáilíochtaí eile (ar céimeanna agus cáilíochtaí iad d'Ollscoil na hÉireann, mar is amhlaidh i gcás na mac léinn uile i gcóras Ollscoil na hÉireann). Fanfaidh struchtúir rialaithe an Choláiste mar atá agus ní bheidh aon athrú i stádas na foirne mar fhostaithe Choláiste San Aingeal. Beidh crosionadaíocht chuí ón fhoireann ar choistí acadúla agus rialaithe a chéile – agus ballraíocht ex officio ag Uachtarán an Choláiste ar Údarás na hOllscoile mar chuid di sin – é sin chun an leas is fearr a bhaint as a gcomhacmhainní, i bhforbairt chlár acadúil agus sa taighde, ar mhaithe le réigiún an Iarthuaiscirt. Bunófar comhchoiste freisin le maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar fheidhmiú an Chomhaontaithe, agus socrófar go mbeidh a n-áiseanna leabharlainne, teicneolaíochta agus eile i gcomhar acu de réir mar is cuí. Thángthas ar an gComhaontú tar éis do Choláiste San Aingeal teacht chun cainte faoi le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh le blianta beaga anuas, agus tá fáilte mhór curtha roimhe ag foireann agus údaráis rialaithe an dá institiúid. Tá tacaíocht láidir tugtha dó freisin ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta (óna bhfuair an Coláiste a maoiniú go dtí seo), ag an Údarás um Ardoideachas agus ag Seanad Ollscoil na hÉireann. Bhí Coláiste San Aingeal ina Choláiste Aitheanta ag Ollscoil na hÉireann ó 1978, faoi mhaoirseacht Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, ach tá sí éirithe as bheith ina Coláiste Aitheanta ó Nollaig 31, 2005, de bhun an stádais nua atá gnóthaithe aici anois mar Choláiste d'Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Bunaíodh Coláiste San Aingeal, Sligeach i 1952 ag Aontas Ursulach Éireann mar choláiste oiliúna do mhúinteoirí Eacnamaíochta Baile. Is aitheantas ar ar bhaineadar amach sa réimse sin gur ainmnigh an tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i 2003 an Coláiste mar an t-aon ionad náisiúnta feasta um oiliúint mhúinteoirí Eacnamaíochta Baile, rud a chuir le líon na mac léinn agus na speisialtachtaí sa chlár sin. Mar sin féin, ní taobh leis an ngort sin amháin a d'fhan an Coláiste le roinnt blianta siar, rud is léir ó na cláracha Bunchéime, Mháistir, Ard-Dioplóma agus Dioplóma atá á soláthar aici i réim mhór gnéithe den Eacnamaíocht Bhaile, Oideachas (Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais ina measc), san Altranas (Ginearálta agus Míchumas Intleachta), sa Bhia, agus i dTeicstílí, Faisean agus Dearadh. Tá cúrsa Rochtana á chur ar fáil aici freisin dóibh siúd faoi mhíbhuntáiste socheacnamaíoch agus comhoibríonn sí le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh lena clár BA siúd sa Léann Eacnamaíoch agus Sóisialta a chur ar fáil ar an gcampas sin. Tá Ionad tábhachtach um Fhorbairt Tháirgí Bia aici freisin agus bíonn baint aici le tionscnaimh éagsúla trasteorann i bpáirt le hinstitiúidí oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann. Faoi láthair tá 510 mac léinn lánaimseartha agus 300 páirtaimseartha, chomh maith le foireann de 90 lánaimseartha agus 21 páirtaimseartha, ag an gColáiste. Suíomh den scoth ar bhruach Loch Gile i gcroílár Dúiche Yeats i Sligeach, atá ag coláiste San Aingeal, achar gearr ó Chathair Shligigh. Tá seirbhís thráthrialta bhus, le cabhair airgid ón gColáiste, ann le mic léinn a thabhairt ó mhoch maidne go deireanach tráthnóna chuig an gcampas ón chathair agus ar ais. Cathair bheoga í Sligeach atá ag fás go tapaidh mar ionad sóisialta, cultúrtha agus tráchtála agus seirbhís mhaith bhóthair, thraenach agus aeir aici. Tá gach dícheall déanta ag an gColáiste cóir nua a chur ar na háiseanna agus ar an infreastruchtúr atá aici, rud is léir ón infheistíocht atá déanta agus á déanamh le feabhas a chur ar na háiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama, na saotharlanna speisialaithe, an teicneolaíocht faisnéise agus cumarsáide agus ar na háiseanna agus struchtúir tacaíochta do na mic léinn. Faoin Uachtarán, an Dr. Anne Taheny, agus le maoiniú ón Roinn Sláinte agus Leanaí, tá foirgneamh €9 m don Altranas agus Léann Sláinte á thógáil faoi láthair ag an gColáiste. Tá ollionad cónaithe do mhic léinn, a bheas réidh i Meán Fómhair 2006, á thógáil freisin faoi láthair ar chostas €12 m.

Monday, 23 January 2006

This year's annual Postgraduate Studies Fair at NUI Galway, which will showcase over 150 programmes on offer at the University, will take place on Monday 6th February, from 1.30 pm–6.30 pm. The popular exhibition takes place in the main Sports Hall of Áras na Mac Léinn (Student Centre). The Postgraduate Studies Fair will give prospective postgraduate students the opportunity to check out their options for next year. Academic staff will be available at over 60 stands which will also be staffed by personnel from Postgraduate Admissions Offices, the Adult Education Office, and the Careers Service, who will provide advice and answer any administrative queries. This year, due to popular demand, the Fair will be supplemented with talks on research and funding, a careers presentation, and postgraduate students will give a talk on "What it means to be a Postgrad". Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Admissions Officer at the University, said students considering continuing their studies could not afford to miss this year's Fair. "For graduates already in employment who may want to supplement their qualifications with a part-time postgraduate degree or diploma, this exhibition is an ideal opportunity to find out about the many options available in postgraduate studies," she said. "Postgraduate study pays, as it enables the individual to specialise in a particular area and improve their employment prospects. Indeed well over a third of Irish graduates are now topping up their basic degree with a postgraduate qualification." John Hannon, Senior Careers Advisor at NUI Galway said postgraduate students have an excellent track record in terms of employment. "NUI Galway's most recent Postgraduate Students Survey shows that 75% of postgraduates are now in employment, while a further 17% are in further education and training." NUI Galway currently offers over 100 taught programmes and over 50 programmes which can be completed by research. The University also offers a number of postgraduate courses taught through Irish and online distance learning is available in certain disciplines.

Monday, 23 January 2006

An extensive study into life in rural Ireland, which covers a wide range of economic, environmental and social issues, has been launched by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, at a special reception at NUI Galway. The Rural Living: An Analysis of 1,249 Households in the Republic of Ireland, survey was conducted by students of the Rural Development programme at the four NUI constituent universities; University College Dublin, University College Cork, NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth. Its findings offer a contribution to the debate on the future of life in rural Ireland whose population today faces the challenges associated with the decline in full-time farming as a way of life, the expansion of part-time farming, increased urbanization and the rise in commuter towns and villages. Commenting on the study, Minister Ó Cuív said the study was a valuable contribution to our understanding of the changes and pressures being experienced by rural communities in a time of radical change. "The academic directors and students on the programme, who have contributed to this body of research deserve our thanks," said Mr Ó Cuív. "It presents a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current status of rural households in Ireland while underlining the value and relevance of collaboration between universities in the area of rural research, programme design and delivery. Monday's launch was preceded by a seminar featuring addresses by academic experts in rural development from each of the four universities. Professor Michael Cuddy, Department of Economics, NUI Galway, delivered an overview of rural development in Ireland, which formed a key component of the study. "Ireland now has two rural societies which are very different in respect to the challenges they face," he said. "The first is urbanized and integrated into the global production and consumer society while the second is traditional and continues to face the challenges of migration and increasingly costly social services. The time of 'crying wolf' for all of rural Ireland has passed, there must be two different approaches to these distinctly different challenges." The original Rural Development programme, introduced at diploma level in 1996, was expanded in 2004 to include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rural Development. The students benefit from the combined expertise of the four participating universities who offer the courses by distance education. The programmes for mature students contribute to the attainment of national policy objectives for higher education in expanding access to higher education and providing opportunities for lifelong learning.

Tuesday, 17 January 2006

The annual NUI Galway Alumni Awards will be presented at the University's seventh annual Gala Banquet, which will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday 4th March 2006. This year's Banquet will celebrate the inaugural year of the University's International Scholarship Programme which is part of NUI Galway's mission in international education. The event will focus on the University's role as an international force for change in improving educational opportunities for students from developing countries. The centrepiece of the Gala Banquet is the presentation of the Alumni Awards, which celebrate the life-long value of an NUI Galway education and recognise individual excellence and achievements among the more than 50,000 graduates worldwide. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway said: "The achievements of the distinguished graduates which we honour each year through the Alumni Awards programme underscore the excellence of an NUI Galway education. This year, the high calibre of Award winners in each of the Award categories reflects the outstanding success of our graduates across many diverse spheres of public and professional life. These outstanding alumni serve as an inspiration for our current students and are excellent global ambassadors for their alma mater." Alumni Awards will be presented to the following: NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service and Government: Judge Mary Faherty, BA 1982, LLB 1984 Circuit Court Judge Bank of Ireland Award for Business and Commerce: Maria Mahon, BComm, 1990 CEO of IrishJobs.ie AIB Award for Literature, Communications and the Arts: Dr Patrick F Wallace, BA 1969 Director, National Museum of Ireland BA 1969, Director National Museum of Ireland, author Medtronic Vascular Award for Healthcare and Medical Science: Prof Donald McDonnell, BSc 1983 Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University Medical Centre Seavite Award for Natural Science: Prof Frank Gannon, BSc 1970 Director of European Molecular Biology Organisation Duais Hewlett-Packard don Ghaeilge (Hewlett-Packard Award for Irish): Máire Mhic Uidhir, BA 1969, ADO 1970 Former Press and Information Officer, NUI Galway TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics: Noel Fogarty, BE 1984, HDip in Eng 1989 Vice President of Operations with Boston Scientific Ireland Tickets for the Gala Banquet on the 5th March cost €150 each or a table of 10 for €1,500.

Thursday, 12 January 2006

An urgent need for reform of mental health legislation in Ireland is the focus of a lunchtime seminar at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI Galway on Friday, 13th January 2006. John McCarthy, the subject of a recent RTE Would You Believe documentary, Diary of a Madman, which chronicled his personal experience of severe mental illness, will deliver a talk on Mental Health, Human Rights and the Law at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, Earl's Island at 12.30pm. The Corkman has drawn on his own experience of mental illness which led to suicidal tendencies, extreme loneliness and isolation over a three-year period that saw him admitted to several mental health institutions. Although his illness almost cost him his home, his livelihood and even his own life, McCarthy has recovered to become an ardent campaigner for the rights of the mentally ill. As part of PRO Cork Advocacy Network, McCarthy has been campaigning for a change in the law regarding the treatment of those with mental health problems, and a change in society which would give people the dignity they deserve. He believes that until the law is changed to end forced incarceration, forced medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of mentally ill patients, society will not change its attitude towards the issue of mental health. McCarthy has been invited as a delegate to a forthcoming United Nations Ad hoc committee hearing on the rights of the disabled. He is a member of MindFreedom, an international organisation that campaigns for the human rights of the mentally ill and has written a book of poetry based on his experiences, Hope on a Rope.

Monday, 27 February 2006

The Department of Marketing at NUI Galway has announced the appointment of Senator Feargal Quinn to the position of Adjunct Professor of Marketing. Senator Quinn's first formal engagement in his new role will be held on Monday, 27th February at 5.00pm, at Áras Moyola, where he will deliver a lecture, 'Reflections on Business and the Senate'. Senator Quinn is an outstanding marketing practitioner who has set global customer service standards throughout a career that has spanned almost 40 years. He is a regular keynote speaker at leading business conferences internationally and is familiar to MBA and MBS students at NUI Galway who have spent time with him discussing the marketing strategy of Superquinn, the supermarket chain he founded in the late 1960s. Elected to the Seanad from the National University of Ireland panel in 1993, Senator Quinn has among his many roles, served as chairman of the Applied Leaving Certficate Oireachtas Committee. His first engagement as Adjunct Professor, which is an honorary three-year position, will see him reflect on his business and Seanad careers to date and his current thinking on marketing, customer service, public policy and business. The appointment will see the senator further strengthen his ties with NUI Galway where he already supports, and has personally met students of, both the Masters and PhD research programmes. As well as delivering up to three lectures throughout the academic year, Senator Quinn's association with the University as Adjunct Professor will offer opportunities to attract leading services marketing professionals to NUI Galway. Welcoming the appointment, Head of the Marketing Department Dr Aidan Daly said: "Over the years, Senator Feargal Quinn has had a close association with the Marketing Department at NUI Galway and been a great supporter of our programmes. In his business career, he has set and achieved world-class standards in marketing and customer service. Therefore, it is a source of great pride to us, and recognition of our standing, that a person of his immense reputation has accepted our invitation to become Adjunct Professor in our Department."

Monday, 20 February 2006

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD, today (20 February 2006) opened a new €22 million health sciences facility at NUI Galway which has the potential to revolutionise the training of health care professionals in Ireland. The new facility brings together a range of disciplines with a shared interest in health and in the broader social and policy factors that impact on healthcare in Ireland. Áras Moyola brings together the University's Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Department of Occupational Therapy, Department of Political Science and Sociology, and Department of Speech and Language Therapy under one roof. Speaking at the opening of Áras Moyola, Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD said: "I am honoured to officially open this state-of-the-art facility which is further evidence of the government's commitment to training healthcare professionals to the highest international standards. Áras Moyola provides optimum teaching and clinical facilities to ensure that the next generation of health professionals are prepared in the best possible way to serve the Irish healthcare system." Áras Moyola was established with funding from the Department of Health and Children and the Higher Education Authority. It contains innovative skills laboratories and a public Speech & Language Therapy Clinic which provides evidence-based care for people with communication problems while facilitating excellent clinical experience for students. The Departments based in the new building provide a range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level including: a Bachelor of Nursing Science; Bachelor of Midwifery Science; BA in Sociological and Political Studies; a BSc in Occupational Therapy; a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy; an MA in Social Work; an MA in Family Support Studies; a Master of Health Sciences and a number of clinical Higher Diploma programmes. Many of these professional programmes are provided in partnership with the Health Service Executive, which has been fundamental to programme development and delivery. NUI Galway President Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said: "The construction of Áras Moyola is a landmark development and a major addition to the NUI Galway campus infrastructure. This innovative facility has enabled the University to significantly expand the range of courses on offer in the area of Health Science and Therapies. It will also allow us in the University, through student placements and through the public Speech Therapy Clinic, to bring these skills to the wider community." Áras Moyola also has excellent research facilities and each department within it has an established programme of research. Recent research funding has been awarded to projects which focus on such issues as quality of life of older people; development of electronic devices to measure compliance with a programme of wearing hand splints; the well-being of children and families; community and local development; person-centred care; the lived experiences of people with disabilities; and clinical decision-making in the assessment and diagnosis of specific language impairment in children. Ends

Monday, 20 February 2006

Inniu an 20 Feabhra 2006, d'oscail an Tánaiste agus an tAire Sláinte agus Leanaí, Mary Harney, T.D., áis €22 milliún d'Eolaíochtaí Sláinte in OÉ Gaillimh a bhfuil sé de chumas inti tús a chur le ré nua in oiliúint lucht gairme an chúraim shláinte in Éirinn. Cruthaíonn an áis nua nasc idir réimse disciplíní ar spéis leo an tsláinte agus gnéithe níos leithne sóisialta agus beartais a imríonn tionchar ar an chúram sláinte in Éirinn. San aon fhoirgneamh amháin in Áras Moyola, tá Ionad na hOllscoile don Léinn Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais, an Roinn Teiripe Saothair, an Roinn Eolaíochta Polaitiúla agus Socheolaíochta, agus an Roinn Teiripe Urlabhra agus Teanga. Is é a dúirt an Tánaiste agus an tAire Sláinte agus Leanaí, Mary Harney, T.D., agus í ag labhairt ag oscailt Áras Moyola: "Is mór an onóir dom an áis nua-aoiseach seo a oscailt go hoifigiúil. Is léiriú eile í an áis seo ar thiomantas an rialtais d'oiliúint atá ar ardchaighdeán idirnáisiúnta a chur ar lucht gairme an chúraim shláinte. Tá na háiseanna teagaisc agus cliniciúla is fearr ar fáil in Áras Moyola chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an chéad ghlúin eile de lucht gairme na sláinte ullmhaithe chomh maith agus is féidir chun freastal a dhéanamh ar an gcóras cúraim shláinte in Éirinn." Bunaíodh Áras Moyola le maoiniú a fuarthas ón Roinn Sláinte agus Leanaí agus ón Údarás um Ardoideachas. San fhoirgneamh, tá saotharlanna do scileanna nuálaíochta agus Clinic phoiblí do Theiripe Urlabhara & Teanga, clinic ina gcuirtear cúram fianaisebhunaithe ar fáil do dhaoine a bhfuil fadhbanna cumarsáide acu agus ag an am céanna, clinic ina ndéantar eispéireas cliniciúil den scoth a éascú do mhic léinn. Cuireann na Ranna, atá bunaithe san fhoirgneamh nua, réimse cúrsaí ar fáil ag leibhéal fochéime agus iarchéime lena n-áirítear: Baitsiléir Eolaíochta Altranais; Baitsiléir Eolaíochta Cnáimhseachais; BA i Staidéar Socheolaíochta agus Polaitíochta; BSc sa Teiripe Saothair; BSc i dTeiripe Urlabhra agus Teanga; MA in Obair Shóisialta; MA i dTacaíocht Teaghaigh; Máistreacht sna hEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus roinnt clár Ard-Dioplóma i réimsí cliniciúla. Cuirtear go leor de na cláir ghairmiúla seo ar fáil i gcomhpháirtíocht le Feidhmeannas na Seirbhíse Sláinte, a raibh páirt fhíorthábhachtach aige i bhforbairt agus i soláthar clár. Is é a dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh: "Is ríthábhachtach an fhorbairt í gur tógadh Áras Moyola agus cuireann an foirgneamh leis an infrastruchtúr ar champas OÉ Gaillimh. Cuireann an áis nuálaíoch sin ar chumas na hOllscoile méadú mór a dhéanamh ar réimse na gclár a chuirtear ar fáil sna hEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Teiripe. Tabharfaidh sé an deis dúinn san Ollscoil, trí thaithí oibre a shocrú do mhic léinn agus tríd an gClinic phoiblí do Theiripe Urlabhra, na scileanna seo a chur ar fáil don phobal trí chéile. Tá áiseanna taighde den scoth freisin in Áras Moyola agus bhunaigh gach roinn laistigh den fhoirgneamh clár taighde dá cuid féin. Bronnadh maoiniú taighde ar chúpla tionscadal le gairid, tioscadail a dhíríonn ar cheisteanna cosúil le caighdeán saoil daoine scothaosta; forbairt ar ghairis leictreonacha chun comhlíonadh cláir a bhaineann le caitheamh cléithíní láimhe a thomhas; leas páistí agus teaghlaigh; forbairt pobail agus áitiúil; cúram bunaithe ar an duine; eispéiris daoine atá faoi mhíchumas; an chinnteoireacht chliniciúil i measúnú agus diagnóisiú lagú sainiúil teanga i bpáistí. CRÍOCH

Saturday, 11 February 2006

Academic excellence among the entering class of 2005/6 at NUI Galway has been recognised with a special ceremony to honour the 59 recipients of Entrance Scholarships at the University. The students, from throughout the country, were honoured by the President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, on Saturday, 11 February 2006, at the Aula Maxima, where they were presented with a cheque for €1,450 and a specially designed to mark their achievement. The wide geographical spread of the winners is notable. The winners are drawn from 11 counties from Donegal to Limerick and Mayo to Carlow, including 34 scholars from County Galway. The scholarships have been awarded to students from 39 individual schools highlighting the fact that top academic talent is to be found in a wide range of schools, large and small, throughout the country. The scholarships are guaranteed to all new entrants who reach 560 points (or 590 in Medicine and Health Sciences). Fourteen students of programmes in Arts, Comerce, Law, Engineering and Medicine & Health Sciences, achieved the maximum 600 points, while 32 students attained 590 points or more. The President of NUI Galway, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, welcomed these high achievers, saying "We in NUI Galway are delighted to recognise the academic talent of these 59 outstanding students from all over Ireland. I am delighted to welcome them to our campus and commend them for choosing to undertake their studies at this University. We look forward to nurturing their academic talent and supporting them throughout their years of study".

Saturday, 11 February 2006

Tá Scoláireachtaí Iontrála bronnta ar 59 mac léinn céadbhliana in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Ag searmanas speisialta inniú (Dé Sathairn) tabharfar aitheantas ó bhéal agus ón sparán don fheabhas acadúil i measc lucht chéadbhliana 2005 – 06. Cuid suntais é freisin gur ó aon chontae dhéag a tháinig na buaiteoirí – ó Thír Chonaill go Luimneach agus ó Mhaigh Eo go Ceatharlach – cé gur ó Cho. na Gaillimhe ceathrar agus tríocha díobh. Is fiú a lua go háirithe gur ó 39 scoil ar leith iad, rud a chruthaíonn arís, má bhí aon amhras ann, go bhfuil mic léinn den scoth le fáil in an-chuid scoileanna, idir bheag agus mhór, thart timpeall na tíre. Geallann an Ollscoil Scoláireacht €1,450 a bhronnadh ar gach mac léinn céadbhliana a fhaigheann 560 pointe (590 i gcás an Leighis agus Eolaíochtaí Sláinte) I mbliana, fuair 14 mac léinn na huasphointí (600) agus iad sin sna cláracha Dán, Tráchtála, Dlí, Innealtóireachta agus Leighis and Eolaíochtaí Sláinte, agus fuair 32 díobh 590 pointe nó os a chionn. "Toradh éachtach, gan aon agó" a thug Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid ÓMuircheartaigh, ar na torthaí sin. Agus é ag déanamh comhghairdeachais leis na buaiteoirí, dúirt an tUachtarán Ó Muircheartaigh gurb aitheantas iad na Scoláireachtaí Iontrála, ní hamháin ar an gcumas acadúil a bhí léirithe acu, ach freisin gur spreagadh é dóibh leanacht leo leis an gcuma sin a fhorbarit an méid is féidir Croílár na hOllscolaíochta é cumas na mac léinn a fhorbairt, go hacadúil agus í dtéarmaí forbartha pearsanta. "Muide anseo in OÉ Gaillimh, arb é an feabhas acadúil an chéad chloch ar ár bpaidrín, cabhróimid libh an méid is féidir linn, ach ag deireadh an lae braitheann gach rud ar an díograis agus ar an ngearradh acadúil ionaibhse," a dúirt sé. Chomh maith le seic €1,450, bronnfar scrolla speisialta ar gach buaiteoir ag an Uachtarán lena bhfuil bainte amach acu a cheiliúradh.

Friday, 10 February 2006

NUI Galway warmly welcomes the passing of the University College Galway (Amendment) Bill through all stages of its consideration by Dáil Éireann. This Bill amends the University College Galway Act 1929, an act the provisions of which have applied to all appointments in NUI Galway since 1929. The University sought an amendment of the Act, as it felt that the restrictions which the Act placed on the recruitment of staff were not helpful in the modern competitive environment in which the University operates. It was also felt that a more positive legislative expression of support and re-enforcement for the University's commitment to Irish, focussing on actions rather than merely recruitment, was desirable. The Bill, approved by the Dáil on Thursday 9th February 2006, addresses both of these concerns. The Bill places a statutory obligation on the University to ensure that one of the principal aims contained in all future strategic plans of the University shall be the provision of education through the medium of the Irish language and further requires that the Governing Authority and the President of the University ensure that that aim is implemented. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway said: "The University welcomes the fact that the Government has recognised, in legislation, the special role and responsibility of NUI Galway in relation to the provision of third level education through Irish. It also embraces the statutory responsibility placed by the Bill on the University to ensure that it fulfils this role. "Yesterday's decision marked a truly historic day for the University, as it looks forward to expanding and developing its long tradition of provision of education through Irish both on the campus, and, latterly, in its Gaeltacht centres in An Ceathrú Rua, Carna, Gaoth Dobhair and (in the course of development) Baile an Fhirtéirigh."

Friday, 10 February 2006

Cuireann Ollscoil na hÉireann fáilte nach beag roimh theacht i bhfeidhm an Bhille Choláiste Phríomh-Scoile na Gaillimhe (Leasú) ag gach céim ar cuireadh san áireamh é ag Dáil Éireann. Is leasú an Bille seo ar an Acht Choláiste Phríomh-Scoile na Gaillimhe 1929. Bhí baint ag ailt san Acht seo le gach ceapachán a rinneadh in Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh ó 1929. Ba mhian leis an Ollscoil leasú ar an Acht a fháil ar an ábhar gur ceapadh nach raibh na srianta a chuir an Acht ar earcaíocht foirne cabhrach sa ré nua-aimseartha, iomaíochta ina mhairimid. Ceapadh go mbeadh dearcadh tacaíochta le béim ní amháin ar earcaíocht ach ar ghníomhartha inmhianaithe chun gealltanas na hOllscoile i dtaca leis an Ghaeilge a chur in iúl. Cuireann an Bille, a fuair cead ón Dáil 9 Feabhra 2006 an dá rud seo san áireamh. Mar thoradh ar an mBille seo beidh sé de dhualgas reachtúil na hOllscoile a chinntiú go mbeidh fáil ar oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge mar phríomhaidhm i ngach plean stratéiseach as seo amach. Cinnteoidh an tÚdarás Rialaithe agus Uachtarán na hOllscoile go gcuirtear an aidhm seo i bhfeidhm. "Is cúis áthais don Ollscoil go dtugann an Rialtas aitheantas reachtaíochta don ról agus dualgas faoi leith atá ag Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh maidir le oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a chur ar fail. Chomh maith leis sin cuirtear fáilte roimh an dualgais reachtúil a chuireann an Bille ar an Ollscoil féin lena chinntiu go gcomhlíontar an ról seo", arsa an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh . "Ba mhó an cinneadh sin ón lá inné ó thaobh staire na hOllscoile de. Ní amháin go dtugann an Ollscoil aghaidh anois ar oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a chur ar fail ar an gcampas ach le déanaí sna hionaid Gaeltachta sa Cheathrú Rua, Carna, Gaoth Dobhair agus (i mbun forbartha) Baile an Fhirtéaraigh."

Monday, 6 February 2006

The renowned artist and sculptor John Coll will officially open Múscailt '06, NUI Galway's Spring Arts Festival which runs from 20th – 25th February 2006. For one whole week the campus will be alive with concerts, theatre, dance, exhibitions, readings, film and live performances. A fantasy parade by MacTeo travelling all over campus will herald the opening of the festival. Almost all events are free and everybody is welcome. 'Múscailt' means to awaken/inspire/celebrate. Highlights of this year's festival include an original dance piece by Tanya McCrory to music by Alec Roth performed by Con Tempo, Ensemble in residence; a talk by the renowned performance artist Nigel Rolfe; a two-day film festival in a mobile cinema; a concert by Emer Mayock, flautist and piper, with guests; a performance by sound artist, Danny McCarthy, 10 original one act plays and an abundance of new and exciting art on view indoors and outdoors. "This is the sixth annual arts festival on campus and Múscailt has grown stronger each year," says Arts Officer Fionnuala Gallagher. "Muscailt aims to provide a forum for established and emerging artists including our own artistic community on campus. The creative talents of the student societies have combined to produce a wide range of events; literary, drama, dance, art, photographic, the musical and film festival among others. Comic Art is a strong theme running throughout this year's programme with one of the highlight events being a performance of Neil Gaiman's Sandman by the FanSci society". "This year's festival features several participatory activities with extended visual arts programmes including Kathryn Crowley located by the yellow X, Pat Comer's photosin the Quad and Mary Dempsey's installation in the Archway. "We hope the people of Galway will join with us in this tremendous celebration of the arts." Two major intervarsity competitions will be held during the week with the Literary and Debating Society hosting the grand final of the prestigious Irish Times Debate, while an Cumman Dramaíochta present Féile na gColáisti - the Irish language student drama festival. Múscailt '06 kicks off on Monday February 20th at 1.15pm in front of Áras na Mac Léinn at John Coll Sculpture, Ceiluradh, with MacTeo drummers and refreshments. This year's musical, Little Shop of Horrors, will be staged in the Black Box Theatre until 11th Feb, showcasing the talents of the Galway Univeristy Musical Society (GUMS). Múscailt '06 presents the perfect opportunity to take part in the cultural life of NUI Galway. The festival is supported by Galway University Foundation, the Arts Council, AIB and the Arts Office.

Thursday, 2 February 2006

The President of NUI Galway, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh has welcomed the Government's announcement of a range of new initiatives to support Medical Education and Training. A €200 million initiative for major reform of medical education and training from undergraduate level through to postgraduate specialist training was announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney, T.D. and the Minister for Education & Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. in Dublin on Wednesday, 1st February 2006. The main reforms include increasing the number of medical places for Irish and EU students over a four year period from 305 to 725, as well as the introduction of a new graduate entry programme for medicine from 2007 as part of the overall expansion of places. Dr Ó Muircheartaigh welcomed the announcement and described the programme of reforms as "highly significant for the education and healthcare sector in Ireland." "On behalf of NUI Galway and the University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, I wholeheartedly welcome these initiatives. We in NUI Galway look forward to engaging in this planned expansion with the two Government departments as soon as possible." The Dean of Medicine & Health Sciences at NUI Galway, Dr Philip A. Carney, praised the government for the initiative. "We in the Faculty greatly appreciate the work and commitment of both ministers and their departments to the reform of medical education. We look forward to the opportunity of launching our graduate entry programme for students and welcome the proposal that eight new Academic Clinician posts will be created nationally this year." ENDS