Key leaders from across the public sector are to come together at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics to share insights and explore how lessons from crisis can be used to deliver future reform.   The event – Leading Change in the Public Sector: Using Crisis to Deliver Future Reform – is part of the School’s Thinking Beyond thought leadership series.   Former and current public sector leaders will take part in the event on Wednesday November 13th from 8.30am to 11am, in the O’Donoghue Theatre at University of Galway. Ireland has experienced two of the most significant crises over the past two decades. It has been 14 years since then Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced that EU-ECB-IMF troika would oversee Ireland's economic affairs due to the financial crisis.   Some 10 years later, the highest level of movement restrictions was imposed due to the novel COVID-19 virus. The Irish economy has rebounded on the back of both crises and the event will examine the lessons learned, as well as the ongoing cultural and structural transformation in process across the Defence Forces.  Former Secretary General at the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dr Orlaigh Quinn, who worked in Government through both the seismic events will deliver the keynote address.   A panel discussion is also being hosted with Dr Quinn; Dr Ronan Glynn, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer and current Health Sector Lead and Partner, EY; Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary General at Department of the Taoiseach; and Brian Molloy, Defence Forces Head of Transformation and President of the Camogie Association.    The event will be chaired by Alma McCarthy, Professor of Public Sector Management and Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway.                  Professor McCarthy said: “Ireland’s public services employ more than 370,000 people with annual budget over €90 billion in 2024. Effective leadership of our public services significantly impacts every single citizen in our state.  Our speakers all have extensive public sector management experience with responsibility for overseeing and delivering wide-ranging change and extensive reform programmes. I am really looking forward to hearing how learnings from recent crises can be harnessed to continue to deliver public sector reform.”    Further information or to register for the event is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/thinkingbeyond/publicsectorreform/.   Ends

Researchers from University of Galway have revealed the extent to which language plays a part on how migrants integrate in rural Ireland. The study explores the experiences of people living across 11 counties and placed a particular focus on language, both English and Irish, and its impact on migrants’ experience of employment, access to services, and community involvement. The research forms part of the Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland-funded project Rural Villages, Migration and Intercultural Communication (VICO), led by Dr Andrea Ciribuco from the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at University of Galway. Dr Ciribuco said: “Migrant integration in rural areas is a crucial issue for the future of Ireland and Europe, yet most migration research focuses on urban settings. Ireland also has one of the highest rates in Europe of migration into rural areas. This study and event provide a vital platform to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of rural migration. “The high level of migrants moving to rural Ireland comes with specific challenges linked to infrastructure and migrant integration; but also with opportunities in terms of cultural and economic vitality. Too often, public discourse weighs heavily on the challenges.” The report was launched at a public event at University of Galway, featuring discussions with local organisations and special guest Zak Moradi, Kurdish-Irish hurler and author of Life Begins in Leitrim. The findings and recommendations are based on comprehensive fieldwork, including interviews and focus groups, conducted between March 2023 and June 2024 with 165 migrants, of 31 nationalities, who are living in 11 counties (Galway, Mayo, Waterford, Kerry, Cork, Kilkenny, Wexford, Clare, Tipperary, Carlow, and Limerick). This came at a crucial time, with the relocation of more than 100,000 Ukrainian citizens to Ireland after Russia launched its war in 2022. Ukrainians make up a consistent part of the cohort, and the study outlines many of the challenges that they encountered over two years of life in Ireland; as well as documenting the efforts made by several communities to involve them in social life. The study underscores the complex adaptability of rural areas for migrants, shaped by factors like socio-economic opportunities and the degree of individual choice. Some of the key findings are: -      English classes have a crucial role in facilitating social inclusion, building connections among migrants and with local communities -      In order to retain this dimension, stakeholders prefer to host classes in-person, resorting to online only for particularly isolated communities -      Mothers with small children reported having a hard time accessing classes and training due to childcare responsibilities, even when educational opportunities were available Migrants who are eager to work point to a lack of more advanced language education which can become a barrier to satisfactory employment. -      In certain regions, particularly the Gaeltacht, the Irish language can become a factor of integration. Migrants saw Irish as an important part of the local culture and heritage, and are interested in the language, especially when their children are learning it in school. But few have the time or opportunity to learn it. -      Rural migration can offer positive experiences for newcomers, especially when communities actively foster cultural engagement. -      Challenges - such as access to services, limited infrastructure - especially public transport, and a lack of translation and interpreting services remain significant barriers. -      Family, more specifically children, is one of the determinants of adaptation to rural areas, as parents often reported being happy in the location when their children were happy. -      Nearly all participants mentioned they never had negative reactions from locals when speaking their native language within a rural community. Many felt safe and more included in rural areas -      Limited employment opportunities in rural settings were cited as a barrier towards living in the location for the long term but learning English was seen as a gateway to a job and, subsequently, to inclusion in Ireland The research team also noted that migrants who had chosen to live in a specific rural setting often reported being happy there; while when the choice was made for them - as was often the case with Ukrainians - the reactions were more varied. However, the study also found that some participants who had not initially chosen the rural location also reported feelings of well-being when they had the opportunity to feel included, for example with community initiatives. The researchers offered recommendations based on the research: Establish consultation processes to facilitate communication between migrants and residents, allowing both groups to express needs, concerns, and shared goals to support community integration. Increase access to English language classes and introduce Irish language programmes, tailored to meet diverse needs, including professional development and caregiving responsibilities. Use digital tools to supplement language education, which can help overcome barriers in rural areas by offering blended in-person and online options. Allocate resources to train interpreters and educate communities on the risks of relying on informal or non-professional translation. Encourage sharing successful strategies between different communities to encourage migrant inclusion in public life through innovative local initiatives. Encourage initiatives that involve parents through schools and youth centres, recognising that children play a key role in fostering belonging and enhancing family language skills. Ends

University of Galway is inviting prospective postgraduate students to its open evening to learn more about their options for further study.   The event is also hosted on campus to allow would-be postgrads to avail of the opportunity to meet with academics and professional services to get an insight into life at the University.   The ‘Find Your Masters’ event takes place on Tuesday November 12, 2024 from 4-6pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn.   Caroline Duggan, Head of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Recruitment, University of Galway, said: “Our postgraduate open evening is key for those who want to broaden their skill-sets, increase their specialist knowledge, future proof their career, build their professional network, and ultimately improve their career prospects. Almost half of the people applying to our postgraduate courses are not recent graduates, they are returning to study or upskilling for their current job.   “The value of a postgraduate qualification is proven in terms of future proofing your career, improving employability and career progression, increasing lifetime earnings, and many of our courses also offer opportunities for placement and internships.”   University of Galway offers more than 200 postgraduate courses across a range of subjects including Humanities, Business, Law, Engineering, Science and Computer Science, Nursing, and Medicine and Health Sciences. The open evening is an informal networking event. It is a showcase of the suite of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral research options. Flexible, online, and blended learning options are also on offer.  Academic staff will be available to meet prospective students to discuss study opportunities, entry requirements and career paths and postgraduate support staff will be on hand to discuss applications, admissions, scholarships and fees.   As part of University of Galway’s strategic focus on recognising excellence and success, EU students with first class honours in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a €1,500 scholarship towards their taught master’s degree at the University. Visitors to the event can find out more about this and other scholarship schemes, fees, funding, and careers. Booking in advance is recommended and is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day   Ends