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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-

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.

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.

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-

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-

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 –

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 –

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

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

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".

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.

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."

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."

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.

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

Minister for Agriculture and Food, Ms. Mary Coughlan T.D. has attended a special ceremony to mark the signing of a historic Agreement between NUI Galway and St. Angela s College, Sligo that sees the latter become the first independent educational institution to become a College of a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland. Ms. Coughlan, who is a past pupil of the Ursuline Convent in Sligo, was the guest of honour at the College s campus on the shores of Lough Gill, on Friday, 31st March 2006, where the occasion was marked with the Honorary Conferring of a Doctor of Laws on former President of St Angela s Sr. Marianne O Connor. Sr. Marianne presided over the College from 1983 – 2001, during which time she expanded the range of courses on offer to include additional elective subjects such as biology and religious education in the B.Ed degree in Home Economics. She also introduced undergraduate programmes in Nursing and Arts, postgraduate courses in Education and a wide range of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Professional Development programmes designed to meet the educational needs of the north west region. President of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh congratulated Sr. Marianne on her conferring on what he said was a momentous day for education in the north west. "By honouring Sr. Marianne O Connor on the day we sign this historic Agreement, we are recognising the tradition of service which the Ursuline order have brought to third-level education in Ireland, and in a special way at St. Angela s College. "As we celebrate the long-standing partnership between NUI Galway and St Angela s over many years, we acknowledge that the Agreement we sign today will further strengthen this partnership and bring real educational and social benefits to the north-west and to the Border, Midlands & West region, as well as to the entire nation. " St. Angela s College President Anne Taheny said: "The Agreement is a further strengthening of the longstanding relationship between St Angela's and NUI Galway and such inter-institutional collaboration will further enhance the provision of and access to university education and research on a regional, national and international basis. The linkage will promote learning and will support and contribute to both regional and national economic and social development. " St. Angela s, which was founded in 1952 by the Irish Urusline Union as a training college for teachers of home economics, was designated in 2003 as the sole national centre for the training of Home Economics teachers. The College currently offers programmes at Bachelor, Master, Higher Diploma and Diploma levels in a range of courses from education to nursing. The College also provides an Access course for the socio-economically disadvantaged and co-operates in the delivery of NUI Galway s BA programme in Economic and Social Studies. Students of St. Angela s College are registered as students of NUI Galway and their degrees and other qualifications are awarded by the University. The existing governance structures of the College will remain in place under the Agreement and a joint body has been established to oversee its implementation, including reciprocal use of library, technology and other facilities at both institutions. Ends

NUI Galway is to host Ireland s first ever Service Learning Academy to examine civic engagement and service learning in higher education. The project, which is a collaborative effort involving NUI Maynooth, Dublin City University and Dublin Institute of Technology, will bring together academics from around Ireland to explore the link between universities and the wider community. The recent establishment of a Civic Taskforce in Ireland has encouraged higher education institutions to address ways to instil values related to citizenship in academic programmes and to encourage students to use their newly acquired skills to the benefit of the wider community. The Academy, which has been funded by the Higher Education Authority, takes place at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone on the 30th and 31st March, 2006. Service Learning and Community Based Learning are teaching tools that help students take the skills they learn in class and use them in the community. Students assist a disadvantaged sector of society, incorporating theoretical knowledge into practical skills while receiving academic credit. The Academy hopes to establish a network of academics who are interested in embedding community-based learning into higher education. Service Learning has been a core mission for NUI Galway through the Community Knowledge Initiative, a project started in 2001 that hopes to realise the civic mission of higher education institutes. Funded by Atlantic Philanthropy, this project promotes civic engagement between students and community through teaching, research and volunteering. NUI Galway is viewed as a leader in Ireland in terms of offering these community-based learning opportunities to students and hopes to encourage other institutions to formally recognise these approaches to learning and teaching. A representative from the Taoiseach's office will be present at the Service Learning Academy to explore the civic dimension of higher education. ENDS

The South African Senior Science and Technology representative in Europe, Dr Mandi Mzimba, called on Irish researchers to develop linkages with their South African counterparts. She was speaking at a workshop in Dublin today hosted by the Irish Universities Association. The event was organised in partnership with ESASTAP – the European South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme. The workshop, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, aims to make important research connections by availing of the European Commission's Framework Programmes. ESASTAP is a Specific Support Action, implemented by the South African Department of Science and Technology and funded by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework programme to facilitate networking between European and South African scientists. Welcoming the South African delegation in his opening address, Paraig Hennessy, Head of Science Policy and International Research Programmes in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment said that, "Irish Researchers have always been very successful participants in EU Framework Programmes. I have no doubt that once they are made aware of collaboration opportunities they could be relied on to use Framework funding to establish long lasting and fruitful linkages with researchers in South Africa." Presentations were made on the research landscapes in South Africa and Ireland with a focus on Food Safety and Quality, Biotechnology, IST and Energy which are national priorities for both countries. Irish researchers from a variety of academic institutions including TCD, UCD, UCC, NUIG, DIAS, RCSI and DIT also had the opportunity for one to one meetings with the South African NCP's to discuss specific collaborative ideas. The Irish Universities Association (IUA) provides a national support service for industry and academia in preparing and submitting proposals to the FP6 programme. Speaking at the event, Siobhan Harkin, Research Officer at IUA said, "There are great opportunities over the next seven years of FP7 for Irish and South African research to form strong links in areas of common interest. The IUA will work closely with ESASTAP to this end." Significant opportunities will exist for research organisations in the Marie Curie Programme in FP7 and the IUA will strongly support potential applicants in industry, universities and institutes of technology to build on the success of FP6. The IUA looks forward to working with South Africa to establish strong research links. Ends

Tabharfar onóir do dhaltaí ó bhunscoileanna ar leith i gCathair na Gaillimhe a bhí rannpháirteach i gclár 'Sport for Success' OÉ Gaillimh, clár a ceapadh le daltaí i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáiste a spreagadh le cloí lena gcuid oideachais go dtí an tríú leibhéal. Déardaoin, 23 Márta 2006, ag searmanas speisialta i dTéatar Uí Fhlaitheartaigh, Foirgneamh na nDán/na hEolaíochta ag 7.30pm bronnfaidh John O'Donoghue, TD, an tAire Ealaíon, Spóirt agus Turasóireachta, teastais ar dhaltaí as Scoil Bhuachaillí Naomh Micheál, Muirbheach, as Scoil Chailíní na Tríonóide Naofa, Muirbheach agus as Scoil Bhríde, Seantalamh, atá i ndiaidh an cúrsa a chríochnú. Is tionscnamh ina nasctar an spórt agus obair bhaile é 'Sport for Success,' atá ina chuid de Chlár Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh ó 2002, agus cuireann sé an t-oideachas tríú leibhéal agus luach an oideachais ann féin chun cinn, mar aon le teicnící agus scileanna spóirt a fheabhsú. Tagann daltaí ó rang 4, 5 agus 6 isteach san Ollscoil tráthnóna amháin sa tseachtain i rith théarma an earraigh agus cuireann mic léinn Rochtana agus fochéimithe Rochtana na hollscoile cuidiú agus treoir ar fáil dóibh lena gcuid obair bhaile. Nuair a bhíonn an tasc sin críochnaithe acu bíonn na daltaí ábalta sult a bhaint as uair an chloig de na cluichí a bhfuil an-tóir orthu ar nós an tsacair agus na cispheile. Foghlaimíonn siad spóirt nua ar nós haca, dreapadh sa tobar dreapadóireachta, Tai-Bo, casadh agus lámhchleasaíocht. Dar le hImelda Byrne, Oifigeach Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh: Tacaíonn an clár 'Sport for Success' le Misean Rochtana ginearálta an choláiste arb é is cuspóir dó comhionannas deiseanna níos fearr a chothú do mhic léinn ó chúlraí faoi mhíbhuntáiste. Is deis iontach é le taithí a thabhairt do pháistí, dá dtuismitheoirí agus don phobal go ginearálta, rud atá an-tábhachtach, ar an Ollscoil atá tiomanta do sheans a thabhairt do rannpháirtithe tús a chur lena dturas mar fhoghlaimeoirí fadsaoil." Críoch

Pupils from a number of selected Galway City primary schools are to be honoured for their participation in the 'Sport for Success' programme in NUI Galway, designed to encourage pupils in disadvantaged areas to continue their education right up to and including third level. Mr John O'Donoghue, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, will present certificates to pupils from St. Michael's Boys School, Mervue; Holy Trinity Girls School, Mervue; and Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla, who have completed the programme, during a special ceremony at the Ó Flaherty Theatre, Arts/Science Building on Thursday, 23rd March, 2006, at 7.30pm. 'Sport for Success,' part of NUI Galway's Access programme since 2002, is a combined sport and homework initiative that promotes third level education and the value of education itself, as well as improving sporting techniques and skills. On one afternoon each week over the spring term, pupils from 4th, 5th and 6th class come into the University where Access students and Access university under-graduates provide help and guidance with homework. On completion of that task, the pupils can then enjoy an hour of popular sports such as soccer and basketball. They learn new sports such as uni-hockey, climbing on the climbing well, Tai-Bo, spinning and juggling. According to Imelda Byrne, NUI Galway's Access Officer: "The 'Sport for Success' programme contributes to the overall Access Mission of the University which is to support greater equality of opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce children and also, very importantly, their parents and the wider community to the University, which is committed to offering participants a chance to spread their wings in their journey as life-long learners." Professor Ger Hurley, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs said: "The University has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the educational, social, economic and cultural needs of the Western region through outreach initiatives such as "Sports for Success". The children are learning the importance of links between health and fitness, of teamwork through sport, and of the importance of good nutritional practices. Most importantly, the children are making connections to the University and are gaining the motivation to continue these activities and their education into adult life."

NUI Galway is pleased to announce that Mr Michael D. Higgins, TD, Labour Party President and Galway West TD, has been appointed as Adjunct Professor at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Announcing the appointment, NUI Galway President Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said Mr Higgins' impressive record in defense of human rights made his new role at the centre one which would further enhance his long association with the University. Professor William Schabas, Director of the IRCH, welcomed the appointment: "We are thrilled that such an important and influential personality in the area of human rights within Ireland will be working with us so closely", he said. Throughout his career, Deputy Higgins has campaigned for human rights and written extensively about conflicts in many parts of the world, including such areas as Turkey, Western Sahara, Nicaragua, Chile, Gaza, The West Bank, Peru, El Salvador, Iraq and Somalia. His human rights campaigning work was recognized internationally when he became the first recipient of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize of the International Peace Bureau in Helsinki in 1992. A graduate of National University of Ireland Galway, Michael D. Higgins received the University's AIB Alumni Award for Literature, Communications and the Arts and continues to play an active role in campus life. ENDS

Bhronn an Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil (EPA) breis is €1 mhilliún ar an Institiúid um Athrú Comhshaoil, OÉ, Gaillimh ar mhaithe le mórthionscadal taighde a scrúdóidh caighdeán uisce agus an bhaint a bhíonn aige le sláinte an duine. 'Sláinte an Duine a fheabhsú trí Chaighdeán níos fearr Uisce' is teideal don chlár taighde idirdhisciplíneach a thugann le chéile eolaithe, dochtúirí agus innealtóirí ó OÉ, Gaillimh; ó Choláiste an hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath; agus ón Roinn Sláinte Poiblí, Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhísí Sláinte - An tIarthar. Ag 10.30am Déardaoin, 16 Márta 2006, san Institiúid um Athrú Comhshaoil (ECI) a sheolfar an clár. Scrúdóidh an clár taighde, arb é atá ann ná sraith tionscadail idirnasctha, an bhaint atá ag soláthar an uisce óil agus infhabhtú Cripteaspóiridiam in Iarthar na hÉireann, agus tionchar cúinsí séasúracha agus comhshaoil ar chaighdeán an uisce talún. Scrúdóidh ceann amháin de na tionscadail modhanna a thabharfaidh le fios an dramhaíl ón duine nó ó ainmhithe is cúis leis an truailliú, agus tiocfaidh sé ar mhodhanna a dhéanfaidh amach cén uair is dóichí a tharlóidh truailliú i soláthairtí uisce. Scrúdóidh an clár, leis, uisce óil, uisce snámha agus uisce dramhaíola, féachaint an bhfuil iarmhair antaibheathach agus baictéir atá frithsheasmhach i gcoinne antaibheathach iontu. Dúirt an tOllamh Martin Cormican, ó Roinn na Baictéareolaíochta i Scoil Leighis OÉ, Gaillimh agus an príomhthaighdeoir, gur deis mhór é an staidéar le cur lenár dtuiscint ar an gceangal idir an úsáid, nó an mí-úsáid ar uairibh, a bhainimid as uisce agus ár sláinte. "Braithimid ar uisce sna tithe againn, sa tionsclaíocht agus san fheirmeoireacht chun nithe a ghlanadh agus dramhaíl a sciobadh leis agus d'fhéadfadh sé sin dul isteach sa chomhshaol. Ar an láimh eile, le go mbeadh saol fada sócmhar againn, ní mór dúinn tarraingt ar an uisce glan atá sábháilte le hól ón gcomhshaol céanna sin. Má táimid chun an dá thrá a fhreastal, ní mór dúinn córais a chur i bhfeidhm a chinnteoidh nach n-ólfaimid amárach an ní a chaithaimid amach inniu." Agus é ag labhairt ag an seoladh, is é a dúirt Leas-Ardstiúrthóir an EPA, an Dr Pádraic Larkin: "Is tionscadal taighde ríthábhachtach don EPA é an tionscadal seo a thugann le chéile grúpa ilghnéitheach taighdeoirí den scoth ó na heolaíochtaí comhshaoil agus sláinte le hoibriú ar an gceist fhíorthábhachtach seo d'Éirinn. Táim ag súil go mbainfear leas as torthaí an tionscadail seo amach anseo chun an caighdeán is airde uisce is féidir a chur ar fáil in Éirinn." Is é a dúirt an tOllamh Emer Colleran, Stiúrthóir an ECI: "Tá an-áthas ar an ECI gur éirigh leis an maoiniú nach beag taighde seo a fháil ón EPA – gníomhaireacht a aithníonn an buntáiste a bhaineann le saineolaithe a thabhairt le chéile ó réimsí an taighde comhshaoil agus sláinte. Tá gá le cur chuige ildisciplíneach i leith an taighde chun ár n-acmhainn uisce a chosaint agus chun soláthairtí uisce a chur ar fáil. Tabharfaidh an tionscadal seo taighdeoirí le chéile ó dhisciplíní éagsúla i dtionscadal faoi leith a bheidh dírithe ar chaighdeán an uisce in Éirinn a fheabhsú." Ó bunaíodh an ECI, d'éirigh leis an bhfoireann acadúil a bhfuil baint acu leis an taighde maoiniú os cionn €30 milliún a fháil ó fhoinsí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. I dteannta bheith ag tacú go fadtréimhseach le taighde comhshaoil in OÉ, Gaillimh, tá an ECI ag tabhairt tacaíochta do chúrsaí comhshaoil atá seanbhunaithe agus ag cuidiú le cúrsaí nua fochéime agus iarchéime a chur le chéile. CRÍOCH