University Statements

Statements from 2024 

IUA Manifesto 2024 | Forógra Chumann Ollscoileanna Éireann 2024 – 29 July 2024 | 29 Iúil 2024

Dear colleagues,

Over the course of 2024 we have been supporting the Irish Universities Association (IUA) in calling on government to provide funding for higher education at the level that is required for our students, for research and to achieve the highest standards possible on sustainability and climate action.

That campaign stepped up a gear in recent weeks with a delegation (pictured above) recently presenting to Oireachtas members on the funding gap. Unfortunately, any gains in resources for higher education in the last two years have been eliminated by the government-agreed public sector pay awards, which have not been fully funded. This has resulted in a disparity in annual funding for higher education which is now close to €300 million.

Meanwhile the surplus in the Government’s National Training Fund is approaching €2 billion, even while skills’ gaps widen across the economy. It is crucial therefore, that the Government honour their previous commitments, including those made in last year’s Budget.

Amid speculation of a general election occurring sometime between now and next spring and with Budget 2025 scheduled for Tuesday October 1, the IUA, in consultation with its members, has produced a manifesto, which can be read in full at https://www.iua.ie/elections/.

Building on the highlighted funding gaps which were detailed in the IUA pre-budget submission, these are the key messages for which we seek the Government’s commitment:

• Deliver in full the Funding the Futurecommitment to close the €307m per annum gap in core funding and ensuring that government-controlled pay awards and cost inflation are fully funded. This will enable universities to bring student-staff ratios into line with the EU27 average of 17:1.
• Build the national research and innovation capacity, so vital for economic growth, by creating a new Research Infrastructure & Talent Development Fund of not less than €100m p.a. to drive research and innovation and to support research students. The last PRTLI fund for R&I expired in 2015.
• Help deliver the National Climate Action Plan by investing €475m over the next 5 years to enable universities to ‘lead by example’ in reducing the carbon emissions of campuses by 51% by 2030 - as outlined in IUA’s detailed proposal to government.
• Introduce new measures to utilise the National Training Fund, to address current and future skills needs. The fund now has a surplus of more than €1.5 billion (and is on course to surpass €2 billion a year from now).
• Retain the Department of Further, Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science, with a full Cabinet Minister, to ensure that higher education and research remains a top priority to support investment and competitiveness.

We have been advocating for adequate funding since the end of the austerity period. The decision is now more critical than at any time since the last recession.

We know the difference education makes in creating the better society to which we all aspire. As an election approaches this year or early the next, now is the time for us all to support and advocate for the necessary investment in a new generation.

Kind regards,

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

President University of Galway

Professor Peter McHugh

Deputy President and Registrar

 

A chomhghleacaithe, a chairde, 

Le linn na bliana 2024, sheasamar le Cumann Ollscoileanna Éireann (IUA) agus iad ag iarraidh ar an rialtas maoiniú a chur ar fáil don ardoideachas ag an leibhéal atá ag teastáil dár mic léinn, don taighde, agus le go mbainfear na caighdeáin is airde amach i dtaca le hinbhuanaitheacht agus le gníomhú ar son na haeráide. 

Cuireadh dlús leis an bhfeachtas le cúpla seachtain anuas nuair a rinne toscaireacht (sa ghrianghraif thuas) cur i láthair do bhaill Thithe an Oireachtais maidir leis an mbearna maoinithe. Faraor, tá na hacmhainní breise atá tugtha don ardoideachas le dhá bhliain anuas curtha ar neamhní ag na dámhachtainí pá atá faofa ag an rialtas don earnáil phoiblí ach nach bhfuil maoinithe go hiomlán. Dá thoradh seo, tá éagothromaíocht de bheagnach €300 milliún sa mhaoiniú bliantúil atá ar fáil don ardoideachas.  

Ag an am céanna, tá an barrachas i gCiste Náisiúnta Oiliúna an rialtais ag druidim le €2 bhilliún d’ainneoin bearnaí scileanna ar fud an gheilleagair a bheith ag dul i méid. Tá sé ríthábhachtach, dá bhrí sin, go gcomhlíonann an rialtas na gealltanais a thug sé go dtí seo, na gealltanais a bhí i mBuiséad na bliana seo caite san áireamh. 

I gcomhthéacs na tuairimíochta go ngairfear olltoghchán idir seo agus an t-earrach, agus le Buiséad 2025 socraithe don Mháirt, an 1 Deireadh Fómhair, tá forógra curtha i dtoll a chéile ag Cumann Ollscoileanna Éireann i gcomhar leis na baill, ar féidir a léamh ina iomláine ar https://www.iua.ie/elections/. 

Anuas ar na bearnaí maoinithe ar tarraingíodh aird orthu in aighneacht réamh-bhuiséid Chumann Ollscoileanna Éireann, seo a leanas na príomhtheachtaireachtaí a bheimid ag cur faoi bhráid an rialtais chun gealltanais a fháil ina leith:  

• Funding the Futurea chur i gcrích ina iomláine mar a gealladh, chun an bearna €307 milliún in aghaidh na bliana sa bhunmhaoiniú a dhúnadh agus lena chinntiú go maoineofar go hiomlán na dámhachtainí pá, atá rialaithe ag an rialtas, agus boilsciú costais. Cuirfidh sé seo ar chumas ollscoileanna a gcóimheasa idir mic léinn agus comhaltaí foirne a chur i gcomhréir le meánchóimheas AE27, i.e. 17:1.  
• Acmhainn náisiúnta taighde agus nuálaíochta a fhorbairt, rud atá ríthábhachtach d’fhás an gheilleagair, trí Chiste Forbartha Bonneagair agus Scileanna Taighde nua a bhunú ar luach nach lú ná €100m in aghaidh na bliana, chun dlús a chur faoi thaighde agus nuálaíocht agus chun tacú le mic léinn taighde. Chuaigh an Clár deiridh um Thaighde in Institiúidí Tríú Leibhéal (PRTLI) le haghaidh Taighde agus Nuálaíochta in éag sa bhliain 2015.  
• Tacú le cur i ngnímh an Phlean Gníomhaithe Náisiúnta ar son na hAeráide agus €475m a infheistiú thar na cúig bliana romhainn. Cuirfidh sé seo ar chumas ollscoileanna dea-shampla a thabhairt agus astuithe carbóin a laghdú 51% faoi 2030, mar atá leagtha amach i dtogra mionsonraithe Chumann Ollscoileanna Éireann a cuireadh faoi bhráid an rialtais.  
• Bealaí nua a aimsiú chun leas a bhaint as an gCiste Náisiúnta Oiliúna chun freastal ar na riachtanais scileanna atá ann faoi láthair agus a bheidh ann amach anseo. Tá barrachas de bhreis is €1.5 bhilliún sa chiste faoi láthair (agus gach seans go mbeidh breis is €2 bhilliún ann faoi cheann bliana). 
• An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta a choinneáil, agus Aire Rialtais iomlán leis, lena chinntiú go dtugtar tús áite i gcónaí don ardoideachas agus don taighde chun tacú le hinfheistíocht agus le hiomaíocht. 

Táimid ag lorg maoiniú leordhóthaineach ó tháinig an tréimhse dhéine chun deiridh. Is criticiúla an cinneadh sin anois ná ag am ar bith ón gcúlú eacnamaíochta deiridh i leith.

Tuigimid an difríocht a dhéanann an t-oideachas maidir le sochaí níos fearr a chruthú, rud atá mar ardaidhm againn go léir. Agus toghchán ag druidim linn i mbliana, nó go luath sa bhliain seo chugainn, seo an t-am dúinn uilig tacú le hinfheistíocht is gá sa chéad ghlúin eile.

Le dea-ghuí,

An tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

An tOllamh Peter McHugh

Leas Uachtarán agus Meabhránaí Ionaid

 

University of Galway President pays tribute to Edna O’Brien - 29 July 2024

University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, has paid tribute to acclaimed Irish writer Edna O'Brien:

“On behalf of University of Galway and the university community, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Edna O’Brien.

“Edna was an exceptional novelist, short story writer, memoirist, poet and playwright whose work has enriched the lives of many generations.

“We were extremely fortunate to welcome Edna to campus in 1991 to confer her with an Honorary Doctor of Literature in recognition of her contribution to Irish society and literature. This was the first honorary degree conferred on Edna O'Brien by any University, and it was generally seen as overdue recognition of a writer whose controversial early novels in the 1960s, rooted in the religion-dominated Irish rural society of her girlhood, had been banned in Ireland.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.”

Ends

Review of links with Israel and Palestine - 17 July 2024 | Athbhreithniú ar na naisc le hIosrael agus an Phalaistín - 17 Iúil 2024

Dear Staff and Students,

We recently communicated that we were undertaking a review of our links as a university with Israel and Palestine. The establishment of the working group was informed by objective criteria pertaining to conflict measurement, human security, international humanitarian law, and human rights. 

We outlined that this review was taking place in light of our commitment to peace, justice, and accountability and to the rule of international law. The working group has now concluded the review and produced a report which details the findings and recommendations. You can find the report online here and it will also be made public. We appreciate the work of the review group in completing this report in a timely and thorough manner.

As a university community, we as University of Galway have taken a leadership position here consistent with our values. Dialogue with our students and staff has been at the heart of this … from our hearts. I would like to thank all those who made it so as researchers, educators, staff and students, advocates and activists all. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Ciarán

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, University of Galway

A Chomhaltaí Foirne agus a Mhic Léinn, a chairde,

Chuireamar in iúl le gairid go rabhamar ag tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar na naisc atá againn mar ollscoil le hIosrael agus leis an bPalaistín. Bunaíodh an grúpa oibre leis na critéir oibiachtúla a bhaineann le coimhlint a thomhas, slándáil an duine, an dlí daonnúil idirnáisiúnta, agus cearta an duine. 

Chuireamar in iúl go raibh an t-athbhreithniú seo ar siúl i bhfianaise ár dtiomantais don tsíocháin, don cheartas agus don chuntasacht agus do riail an dlí idirnáisiúnta. Tá an t-athbhreithniú críochnaithe ag an ngrúpa oibre anois agus tá tuarascáil curtha le chéile ina sonraítear na torthaí agus na moltaí. Tá cóip den tuarascáil ar fáil ar líne anseo agus cuirfear ar fáil go poiblí í freisin. Táimid buíoch as obair an ghrúpa athbhreithnithe chun an tuarascáil seo a chur i dtoll a chéile go críochnúil.

Mar phobal ollscoile, tá seasamh ceannaireachta glactha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a thagann lenár luachanna. Bhí an plé leis na mic léinn agus leis an bhfoireann ag croílár na ceiste. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na taighdeoirí, oideachasóirí, foireann agus mic léinn, abhcóidí agus gníomhaithe go léir a chuidigh linn. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Le dea-ghuí,

Ciarán

An tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

Statements from January to June 2024 

A message from the President – 26 June 2024 | Teachtaireacht ón Uachtarán – 26 Meitheamh 2024

A phobal na hollscoile agus a chairde,

I rang the Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, early last week to inform her that I have decided to step down from my role as President of Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway to pursue other interests. I have today informed Údarás na hOllscoile in person of this decision at its meeting in Na Forbacha.

When I came here first in January 2018, little did we know of the challenges and achievements ahead. Challenges in the form of COVID, which has affected many of us more than we thought, and subsequently a failed, foiled cyberattack. Challenges we came through together. And what is generally accepted as an under-funded sector, which means we are stretched to serve our students and to serve our mission in research, teaching and engagement more generally. A challenge that still remains.

Achievements together: when I came here we did not have Athena Swan. Now we do, Bronze twice in a row and going for Silver next time and 12 Schools, one (Engineering) with Silver. We are also to the fore through our leadership with our Domestic Violence Leave Policy, Positive Action Policy and in Active* Consent. Last year we had the highest research income in the history of the university and in the last five years our research income was 40% higher than in the previous five years. International student numbers are 22% higher in the last five years than in the previous five years, even in the context of COVID and a failed cyberattack. We are ranked by IBEC in the Top 100 Employers in Ireland for our work in employee wellbeing. Times Higher Education ranks us #1 in Ireland, in the Top 5 in the EU and the Top 50 in the world for our impact on the Sustainable Development Goals. All underpinned by our sense of ourselves as a university for the public good, serving our students, our society and our planet, and by our lodestar values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability. A doubling of on-campus student accommodation. Work commenced on our new Library and Learning Commons – An Lárlann.

Much of what matters though is immeasurable. And innumerable. Meeting our students and the difference we make for them one-by-one. Meeting you as colleagues on campus (off-campus a different matter!) and hearing how you’re getting on.

A burgeoning of research with the focussing of the Ryan Institute, the flourishing of ILAS and the formation of new research institutes in Clinical Trials, Health Discovery & Innovation, and in Creativity.

Our partnership with our students and our Students’ Union. The opening up of campus and our emergence as a university with no gates, open to and for the world. I will always remember and cherish the opening of the Galway John Room a few weeks ago, symbolically in the centre of campus and the day we had with his family and friends recognising his commitment to his family, his community and to education. Our leadership, in dialogue with our students, on Israel-Palestine.

Agus úsáid na Gaeilge, a thaitin chomh mór sin liom le cois mo dhúchais féin sa teanga.

I therefore depart with a sense of regret and an excitement for the future. Given all else happening in the sector, it is never a good time to go. I’ve been considering this decision for a while now and have concluded that this is the right time with the development of the university strategy, the articulation of the new Governing Authority and before the new academic year. I have therefore said to Máire that I will continue in role until the first week of September, to the new academic year, and will support whatever transition Údarás na hOllscoile decides.

My reasons for going are my own and nobody else’s. In the nature of things, there will always be speculation in this regard. The definition of speculation is that it is not based on evidence or on knowing. Those who speculate therefore don’t know. They’d be making it up. I will therefore say again: my reasons for going are my own and nobody else’s.

We have a Governing Authority characterised by a robust governance and a University Management Team characterised by robust debate which, when carried with respect, makes for a healthy institution. This will always be my alma mater. I am particularly pleased that our values will carry forward in our new strategy, and an amplification of our sense of place – of Galway being somewhere different and therefore internationally distinctive.

When I spoke to you when I came here first, I used the word ‘kindness’ which was noticed at the time. Kindness is as important now as then and, of course, kindness is given as well as received.

For all the support and kindness given to me and to us, I would like to thank our Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and before her Catherine McGuinness, the members of Údarás na hOllscoile, our University Management Team, Pól Ó Dochartaigh and Peter McHugh in their roles as our previous and current Deputy President and Registrar respectively, my office colleagues, you all that supported me in my time here and my colleagues in the Greater Galway Forum, the Irish Universities Association, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science including Ministers Simon Harris and, now, Patrick O’Donovan.

In that first message when I arrived here, I also quoted the lyrics of the Sweet Honey in the Rock trade union song and the words ‘Many stones do form an arch, singly none’. I emphasised then the arch – the archway – as a symbol of our university. Now I’d emphasise ‘singly none’.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, University of Galway

 

A phobal na hollscoile agus a chairde,

Ghlaoigh mé ar Chathaoirleach Údarás na hOllscoile, an Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, go luath an tseachtain seo caite le rá léi go bhfuil an cinneadh déanta agam éirí as mo ról mar Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway chun tabhairt faoi rudaí eile. Inniu, chuir mé Údarás na hOllscoile ar an eolas go pearsanta ag a gcruinniú sna Forbacha.

Nuair a thosaigh mé anseo in Eanáir 2018, ba bheag a thuig muid na dúshláin agus na héachtaí a bhí romhainn. Dúshláin ar nós COVID, a chuir isteach orainn níos mó ná mar a cheap muid, agus cibirionsaí neamhrathúil ina dhiaidh sin. Sháraigh muid na dúshláin sin le chéile. Glactar leis nach bhfuil a dhóthain maoinithe ar fáil don earnáil ardoideachais, a chiallaíonn go bhfuil muid ag streachailt lenár misean chun freastal ar ár mic léinn agus chun taighde, teagasc agus rannpháirtíocht pobail a dhéanamh go ginearálta. Tá na dúshláin sin romhainn i gcónaí.

Na rudaí a bhain muid amach le chéile: nuair a thosaigh mé anseo, ní raibh Athena Swan againn. Tá anois – gradam Cré-umha faoi dhó agus táimid sa tóir ar ghradam Airgid an chéad uair eile, tá gradaim ag 12 Scoil, gradam Airgid ag ceann amháin acu (Innealtóireacht). Táimid chun tosaigh freisin sa cheannaireacht atá léirithe againn lenár bPolasaí maidir le Saoire Foréigin Baile, ár bPolasaí maidir le Gníomhaíocht Dhearfach agus sa Toiliú Gníomhach*. Bhí an t-ioncam taighde ab airde riamh san ollscoil anuraidh agus tá ár n-ioncam taighde 40% níos airde le cúig bliana anuas ná mar a bhí sna cúig bliana roimhe sin. Tá líon na mac léinn idirnáisiúnta 22% níos airde le cúig bliana anuas ná mar a bhí sna cúig bliana roimhe sin, fiú nuair a chuireann tú COVID agus an cibirionsaí neamhrathúil san áireamh. Táimid rangaithe ag IBEC i measc na 100 Comhlacht is Fearr in Éirinn maidir le sláinte ár bhfostaithe. Táimid rangaithe ag Times Higher Education #1 in Éirinn, i measc na 5 is Fearr san Eoraip agus i measc na 50 is Fearr ar domhan mar gheall ar an tionchar atá againn ar na Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe. Tá sé seo ar fad mar bhonn faoin tuiscint atá againn orainn féin mar ollscoil atá ar son leas an phobail, ag freastal ar ár mic léinn, ár sochaí agus ár bpláinéad, agus ar na luachanna atá mar threoir dúinn – ómós, oscailteacht, inbhuanaitheacht agus barr feabhais. Tá dhá oiread lóistín dár mic léinn ar an gcampas anois. Cuireadh tús leis an Leabharlann agus Ionad Foghlama nua, An Lárlann.

Ní féidir go leor rudaí tábhachtacha a thomhas, áfach. Tá siad do-áirithe. An teagmháil lenár mic léinn agus an difríocht a dheineann muid dóibh, duine ar dhuine. An teagmháil libhse mar chomhghleacaithe ar an gcampas (scéal eile lasmuigh den champas!) agus bhur scéalta a chloisteáil.

Tá borradh faoin taighde leis an bhfócas nua atá ag Insitiúid Uí Riain, an fás in ILAS agus bunadh na n-institiúidí nua taighde do Thrialacha Cliniciúla, d’Fhionnachtain & Nuálaíocht Taighde, agus don Chruthaitheacht.

An chomhpháirtíocht lenár mic léinn agus le Comhaltas na Mac Léinn. An bealach inar osclaíodh an campas agus inar bunaíodh ollscoil ‘gan geataí’ anseo, oscailte roimh an domhan mór. Cuimhneoidh mé go deo ar an lá a d’oscail muid Seomra Galway John roinnt seachtainí ó shin atá lonnaithe go siombalach i lár an champais, agus ar an lá a chaith muid lena chlann agus a chairde nuair a rinneadh comóradh ar a thiomantas dá chlann, dá phobal agus don oideachas. An cheannaireacht a ghlac muid, i gcomhairle lenár mic léinn, maidir le hIosrael-an Phalaistín.

Agus úsáid na Gaeilge, a thaitin chomh mór sin liom le cois mo dhúchais féin sa teanga.

Fágaim, mar sin, le teann aiféala, cé go bhfuil mé ar bís chun tabhairt faoin todhchaí freisin. I bhfianaise chuile rud eile atá ar siúl san earnáil s’againne, ní bheadh am maith ann riamh le himeacht. Táim ag déanamh machnaimh air seo le fada an lá agus déanaim amach gurb é seo an t-am is fearr, le forbairt straitéis nua na hollscoile, le ceapadh Údarás nua na hOllscoile agus le teacht na bliana nua acadúla. Dúirt mé le Máire, mar sin, go bhfanfaidh mé sa ról go dtí an chéad seachtain i mí Mheán Fómhair, go dtí an bhliain nua acadúil, agus tacóidh mé le pé próiseas a chuireann Údarás na hOllscoile i bhfeidhm.

Mé féin a rinne an cinneadh seo, agus mé féin amháin. Ar ndóigh, beidh tuairimíocht ann. Ní bhíonn an tuairimíocht bunaithe ar fhianaise riamh. Ní bhíonn a fhios ag na daoine a mbíonn tuairimíocht ar bun acu. Bíonn siad ag cumadh scéalta. Déarfaidh mé arís é, mar sin: mé féin a rinne an cinneadh seo, agus mé féin amháin.

Tá rialachas láidir á chur i bhfeidhm ag Údarás na hOllscoile agus bíonn plé láidir ar siúl ag Foireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile, rud a léiríonn gur insitiúid láidir muid, nuair a bhíonn plé measúil ar siúl. Beidh an ollscoil seo mar alma mater agam i gcónaí. Táim an-sásta go mbeidh na luachanna céanna sa straitéis nua againn, agus go gcuirfear níos mó béime ann ar an áit ina bhfuil muid – béim ar Ghaillimh mar áit uathúil ar bhonn domhanda.

Nuair a thosaigh mé sa ról seo, bhain mé úsáid as an bhfocal ‘cineáltas’, focal ar chuir go leor daoine spéis ann. Tá an cineáltas chomh tábhachtach anois ná mar a bhí riamh agus, ar ndóigh, is rud é a bhronntar agus a ghlactar leis.

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Cathaoirleach Údarás na hOllscoile, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, agus le Catherine McGuinness a bhí ann roimpi, le baill Údaras na hOllscoile, le Pól Ó Dochartaigh agus le Peter McHugh ina róil mar Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí, le mo chomhghleacaithe san oifig, agus leis na daoine ar fad a thacaigh liom le linn mo thréimhse anseo, chomh maith le mo chomhghleacaithe i bhFóram Mhórcheantar na Gaillimhe, i gCumann Ollscoileanna na hÉireann, san Údarás um Ard-Oideachas, agus sa Roinn Ardoideachais agus Breisoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, lena n‑áirítear na hAirí Simon Harris agus, anois, Patrick O’Donovan.

Sa chéad teachtaireacht nuair a thosaigh mé sa ról, luaigh mé liricí Sweet Honey in the Rock in amhrán ceardchumainn a chas siad: ‘Many stones do form an arch, singly none’. Chuir mé béim ar an áirse an uair sin mar shiombal na hollscoile. Cuirim béim anois ar na focail ‘singly none’.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

An tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

Update on Israel – Palestine: Review of University links  | An scéal is déanaí faoi Iosrael – an Phalaistín: Athbhreithniú ar naisc na hOllscoile - May 31, 2024 | 31 Bealtaine, 2024

Dear Staff and Students,

We are undertaking a review of our links as a university with Israel and Palestine. This review is taking place in the light of our commitment to peace, justice, and accountability and to the rule of international law and is further informed by the International Court of Justice’s finding (para. 50) of 24 May ‘that, in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part’.

In the light of the ICJ’s continuing findings, the review is established with a view to considering and complying with the United Nations (UN) Database Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36; the Don’t Buy Into Occupation (DBIO) list of financial institutions and companies involved in Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise; the list of the Who Profits Research Center; and the list of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).  

In our statement of 6 February we extended our deepest empathy and support to all our students and staff, all our communities, affected by events in Israel and Palestine. We are very conscious of the potency of universities in enabling international understanding. In that context, we undertook to strengthen relationships with universities in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in common cause. We also welcomed the Irish Government’s call for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, as reported, ‘on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement's human rights clause’ and are reviewing our university’s relationship with Israeli institutions in that context.

A working group has therefore been established under the auspices of the University Management Team. The working group is comprised of the following members of UMT: Becky Whay; Ciara Meehan, Helen Maher (Chair), Jim Livesey, and John Caulfield. The objectives of the working group are to:

• Engage with external stakeholders to establish a body of evidence to inform decisions.
• Engage with internal staff and student representative groups.
• Review links with Israeli institutions and industry.
• Strengthen links with Palestinian institutions, civil society, and industry.
• Present the review findings and recommendations to the University Management Team for consideration and approval as appropriate.

The review process will include analysis of:

• Recommendations and information gathered by the organised staff and student groups within the University.
• United Nations (UN) Database Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36 and the PACBI Guidelines.
• Research collaborations in a broad context.
• Consultation with appropriate external stakeholders.
• Actions undertaken by higher education institutions in the EU to date.
• International law as articulated by the findings of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
• Specific supports for Palestinian scholars.
• Our values as a university which stands for peace, justice, and accountability.

At this stage, we have established that the University does not hold any investments in Israeli companies.

The review report will be completed for our next Governing Authority meeting, on the 26 June 2024, and will be made public as an exercise in transparency and a continuing statement of our university’s position. We will also publish the written submissions and notes from the Working Group meetings. We are constructing a webpage to keep staff and students informed, this will also include links to relevant NGOs for members of our community seeking to provide support.

Our university values are premised on cultivating respect and supporting inclusion for all staff and students recognising the value and importance of the diversity of our community and our religious and cultural backgrounds. We are very keen that all voices are heard and considered in the review. Accordingly, submissions are invited to the review group at ovpedi@universityofgalway.ie by 5.00pm 12 June. All views, individual and/or collective, are encouraged and welcomed.

We remain acutely conscious of the potency of universities in enabling international understanding and of our own strategic mission to act as a values-led university for the public good. We once again reiterate that ‘we stand for peace’: we condemn all acts of terror and violence and we join in the calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and for the release of hostages, and for justice, accountability, and equal protection of human rights.

 

With kind regards,

Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

 

A Chomhaltaí Foirne agus a Mhic Léinn, a chairde,

Táimid ag tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar na naisc atá againn mar ollscoil le hIosrael agus leis an bPalaistín. Tá an t-athbhreithniú seo ar siúl i bhfianaise ár dtiomantais don tsíocháin, don cheartas, don chuntasacht agus do riail an dlí idirnáisiúnta, agus i gcomhthéacs chinneadh na Cúirte Breithiúnais Idirnáisiúnta (alt 50) an 24 Bealtaine ‘that, in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part’.

I bhfianaise thorthaí leanúnacha na Cúirte Breithiúnais Idirnáisiúnta, tá an t-athbhreithniú á bhunú d’fhonn na hacmhainní a leanas a bhreithniú agus a chomhlíonadh:  Bunachar Sonraí na Náisiún Aontaithe de bhun Rún 31/36 de chuid na Comhairle um Chearta an Duine; liosta Don't Buy Into Occupation (DBIO) d’institiúidí airgeadais agus cuideachtaí a bhfuil baint acu le fiontar lonnaíochta mídhleathaí Iosrael; liosta an Ionaid Taighde Who Profits; agus liosta an American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).  

Sa ráiteas uainn an 6 Feabhra, chuireamar ár mbá agus ár dtacaíocht in iúl dár mic léinn agus ár bhfoireann go léir, agus dár bpobail go léir, a bhfuil tionchar ag imeachtaí in Iosrael agus sa Phalaistín orthu. Tuigimid go maith an deis atá ag ollscoileanna tuiscint idirnáisiúnta a chumasú. Sa chomhthéacs sin, thugamar faoin gcaidreamh le hollscoileanna in Gaza, agus ar an mBruach Thiar agus in Iarúsailéim Thoir a neartú ar chúis chomónta. Chuireamar fáilte freisin roimh éileamh Rialtas na hÉireann ar athbhreithniú ar Chomhaontú Comhpháirtíochta AE-Iosrael, mar a tuairiscíodh, ‘on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement's human rights clause’ agus tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh againn ar chaidreamh na hollscoile seo le hinstitiúidí Iosraelacha sa chomhthéacs sin.

Dá bhrí sin, tá grúpa oibre curtha ar bun faoi choimirce Fhoireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile (UMT). Suíonn na baill a leanas den UMT ar an ngrúpa oibre: Becky Whay; Ciara Meehan, Helen Maher (Cathaoirleach), Jim Livesey agus John Caulfield. Is iad cuspóirí an ghrúpa oibre:

Teagmháil a dhéanamh le páirtithe leasmhara seachtracha chun corpas fianaise a thiomsú le bonn eolais a chur faoi chinntí.

• Teagmháil a dhéanamh le grúpaí ionadaíocha na gcomhaltaí foirne agus na mac léinn san ollscoil.
• -Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar naisc le hinstitiúidí agus le tionsclaíocht Iosraelach.
• Naisc a threisiú le hinstitiúidí, le sochaí shibhialta, agus le tionsclaíocht na Palaistíne.
• Torthaí agus moltaí an athbhreithnithe a chur faoi bhráid Fhoireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile lena mbreithniú agus lena bhfaomhadh mar is cuí.

Mar chuid den phróiseas athbhreithnithe, déanfar anailís ar na nithe a leanas:

• Moltaí agus faisnéis bailithe ó ghrúpaí eagraithe foirne agus mac léinn laistigh den Ollscoil.
• Bunachar Sonraí na Náisiún Aontaithe de bhun Rún 31/36 de chuid na Comhairle um Chearta an Duine agus Treoirlínte PACBI.
• Comhpháirtíochtaí taighde i gcomhthéacs leathan.
• Torthaí an chomhairliúcháin le páirtithe leasmhara seachtracha cuí.
• Bearta curtha i gcrích ag institiúidí ardoideachais san AE go dtí seo.
• An dlí idirnáisiúnta, arna léiriú ag torthaí na Cúirte Breithiúnais Idirnáisiúnta agus na Cúirte Coiriúla Idirnáisiúnta.
• Tacaíochtaí sonracha do scoláirí Palaistíneacha.
• Ár luachanna mar ollscoil a sheasann ar son na síochána, an cheartais agus na cuntasachta.

Ag an bpointe seo, tá sé deimhnithe againn nach bhfuil infheistíochtaí ag an Ollscoil i gcomhlachtaí Iosraelacha.

Críochnófar an tuarascáil athbhreithnithe faoin am a mbeidh an chéad chruinniú eile d’Údarás na hOllscoile ar siúl an 26 Meitheamh 2024, agus cuirfear an tuarascáil os comhair an phobail mar chleachtadh trédhearcachta agus mar ráiteas leanúnach ar sheasamh na hollscoile. Foilseoimid freisin na haighneachtaí scríofa agus na nótaí ó chruinnithe an Ghrúpa Oibre. Táimid ag forbairt leathanach gréasáin chun an fhoireann agus na mic léinn a choinneáil ar an eolas, áireofar air seo freisin naisc chuig eagraíochtaí neamhrialtasacha ábhartha do bhaill ár bpobail ar mhaith leo tacaíocht a chur ar fáil.

Tá luachanna na hollscoile seo bunaithe ar mheas a chothú agus ar thacú le cuimsiú don fhoireann agus do na mic léinn go léir, agus aitheantas á thabhairt againn don luach agus don tábhacht a bhaineann le héagsúlacht ár bpobail agus ár gcúlraí reiligiúnacha agus cultúrtha. Tá an-fhonn orainn go bhfaighidh gach duine éisteacht agus aird san athbhreithniú. Dá réir sin, iarrtar aighneachtaí a sheoladh chuig an ngrúpa athbhreithnithe ag ovpedi@universityofgalway.ie faoi 5.00pm an 12 Meitheamh. Spreagtar agus fáiltítear roimh gach dearcadh, aonair agus/nó comhchoiteann.

Tuigimid go maith an éifeacht atá ag ollscoileanna maidir le tuiscint idirnáisiúnta a chumasú agus ár misean straitéiseach féin feidhmiú mar ollscoil bunaithe ar luachanna atá ar leas an phobail. Dearbhaímid arís eile ‘go seasaimid ar son na síochána’: cáinimid gach gníomh sceimhlitheoireachta agus foréigin agus glacaimid páirt sna hachainíocha ar shos comhraic láithreach, buan agus leis na gialla a scaoileadh saor, agus ar cheartas, cuntasacht agus comhchosaint chearta an duine.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

An Dr Helen Maher, An Leas-Uachtarán Comhionannais, Éagsúlachta agus Cuimsithe 

Statement on Israel - Palestine | Ráiteas ar Iosrael - an Phalaistín - February 6, 2024 | 6 Feabhra, 2024

Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week here on campus from 19 to 22 March marks our university’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-apartheid on the occasion of his honorary conferring here in June 2003. In preparing for the week of events planned in that regard, it presents us with an opportunity to reflect once again on his courage as a man of peace.

In his acceptance speech here, Nelson Mandela said that ‘the world is now in greater need than ever for men and women of peace to stand up and let their voices be heard and their commitment felt’. We are once again at this juncture during this shocking period in the history of our humanity – and inhumanity.

On 18 October, we issued a statement which at that time we thought and hoped would be definitive in the context of events in Israel and Palestine. Unfortunately, the horror of war, the continued killing of innocent civilians on and since 7 October and what the UN Secretary-General has called ‘the collective punishment of Palestinians’ demands a further elaboration of our values in this regard.

On 18 October, we said that ‘we stand for peace’: this means that we condemn all acts of terror and violence and that we join in the calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and for the release of hostages, and for justice, accountability and equal protection of human rights. 

We said that ‘we stand, as President Michael D Higgins has reiterated, for multilateralism and the rule of international law’: this means that we here support and amplify the important voices in this arena of our Irish Centre for Human Rights, representing the passion, compassion and expertise of our colleagues in the field.  We also reiterate the International Court of Justice’s finding (p. 7) that ‘Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip’ and that ‘Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’. Above all, the ICJ found that Israel must ‘take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts’ coming within the scope of the Genocide Convention. 

We said that at University of Galway, ‘we have an opportunity as a university community to show how diverse and different perspectives can coexist peacefully and constructively’ and we quoted the poem by the Palestinian poet Marzouq al-Halabi, published in the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz, that 

History
must remain free
to include a third narrative.

As universities, we have a role in finding that third narrative, those new ways of thinking. This means that, in concert with our own Government and so many others around the world, we support the peaceful co-existence represented by freedom, justice and equality for all in the region, recognising that the current conflict is a consequence of ‘deeply-rooted tensions in the region’, where for a long time now, in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank, humanity, human rights, and the right to peaceful co-existence have been violated. 

In another setting, in his native South Africa, Nelson Mandela also said, ‘the power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation’. In this context, as a university, as a community of scholars and students, the destruction of universities in Gaza and the consequent killing of so many students and academics by Israeli forces is particularly grievous to us. As a university community, we have a particular responsibility to oppose the deliberate destruction of facilities of higher learning and the targeting of academics and we do so here. We call for accountability for such crimes, and an end to the killing. 

Nelson Mandela went on to say ‘we are steadily but surely introducing education that enables our children to exploit their similarities and common goals, while appreciating the strength in their diversity’. This is an important reminder for us all at this time of our values and the need to respect diverse voices and backgrounds. We are for peace, peaceful co-existence and international law. We are for 

Envisioning a future
offers protection from a cruel past
from pessimism
and stops you from falling into a pit with your enemy.

We are therefore against anti-semitism, Islamophobia, acts of apartheid and any language, words or deeds – in the classroom or without – which disrespect another. All of us should also appreciate that being Palestinian does not equate with Hamas and that the actions of the State of Israel do not represent all Jews and Israelis.

We extend our deepest empathy and support to all our students and staff, all our communities, affected by events in Israel and Palestine. We are very conscious of the potency of universities in enabling international understanding. In that context, we will strengthen relationships with universities in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in common cause. We welcome the Irish Government’s call for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, as reported, “on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement's human rights clause” and will review our university’s relationship with Israeli institutions in that context.

We also commit to supporting all our Israeli and Palestinian students and staff. With that in mind, and in our hearts, at its meeting this morning UMT discussed making further practical supports available to all those affected. An email in that regard will follow this week.

In particular, we again reiterate that University of Galway, as a University of Sanctuary, is a safe place for all and we urge all members of our communities, inside and without our walls, to be the peacemaker, the conciliator, which respects all our diverse histories, voices and views and which forms the basis for a better humanity, exemplified by Nelson Mandela as he walked to freedom from Robben Island.

Kind regards,

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President University of Galway

 A Chomhaltaí Foirne agus a Mhic Léinn, a chairde,

Déanfaidh Seachtain Frithchiníochais Nelson Mandela anseo ar an gcampas ón 19 go dtí an 22 Márta ceiliúradh ar an ócáid ar thug an ollscoil tiomantas don fhrithchiníochas agus don fhrith-chinedheighilt ag an ócáid ar bronnadh céim oinigh ar Mandela anseo i Meitheamh 2003. Agus muid ag ullmhú don tseachtain imeachtaí atá beartaithe, is deis í seo machnamh a dhéanamh arís ar a mhisneach mar fhear na síochána.

Ina óráid anseo, dúirt Nelson Mandela ‘the world is now in greater need than ever for men and women of peace to stand up and let their voices be heard and their commitment felt’. Táimid ag an bpointe seo arís le linn na tréimhse corraithí seo den daonnacht, agus den mhídhaonnacht go deimhin.

Chuireamar amach ráiteas an 18 Deireadh Fómhair a cheapamar agus a raibh súil againn an tráth sin a bheadh cinntitheach i gcomhthéacs a bhfuil ag tarlú in Iosrael agus sa Phalaistín. Ar an drochuair, de bharr uafás an chogaidh, marú leanúnach sibhialtach neamhchiontach an 7 Deireadh Fómhair agus ó shin i leith agus an rud a dtug Ard-Rúnaí na NA air ‘the collective punishment of Palestinians’, ní mór míniú breise a thabhairt anois ar ár luachanna ina leith seo.

Ar an 18 Deireadh Fómhair, dúirt muid ‘go seasaimid ar son na síochána’: ciallaíonn sé seo go gcáinimid gach gníomh sceimhlitheoireachta agus foréigin agus go nglacaimid páirt sna hachainíocha ar shos comhraic láithreach, buan agus leis na gialla a scaoileadh saor, agus ar cheartas, cuntasacht agus comhchosaint chearta an duine. 

Dúirt muid ‘Seasaimid, mar atá ráite ag an Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn, ar son an iltaobhachais agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta’: ciallaíonn sé seo go dtacaimidne agus go gcuirimidne leis na guthanna tábhachtacha sa réimse seo d’Ionad na hÉireann do Chearta an Duine, a léiríonn an spéis, comhbhá agus saineolas atá ag ár gcomhghleacaithe sa réimse.  Dearbhaímid freisin cinneadh (lch 7) na Cúirte Breithiúnais Idirnáisiúnta ‘Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip’ agus ‘Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’. Thar aon ní eile, dúirt an Chúirt Bhreithiúnais Idirnáisiúnta go gcaithfidh Iosrael ‘take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts’ a thagann faoi scóip Choinbhinsiún an Chinedhíothaithe. 

Dúramar freisin in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ‘tá deis againn mar phobal ollscoile a léiriú conas is féidir le peirspictíochtaí ilghnéitheacha agus éagsúla maireachtáil le chéile ar bhealach síochánta agus dearfach’ agus luamar an dán leis an bhfile Palaistíneach Marzouq al-Halabi, a foilsíodh sa nuachtán Iosraelach Ha'aretz, 

History

must remain free

to include a third narrative.

Mar ollscoileanna, tá ról againn an tríú hinsint sin a aimsiú, bealaí nua smaointeoireachta a aimsiú. Ciallaíonn sé seo, i gcomhar lenár Rialtas féin agus an oiread sin daoine eile ar fud an domhain, go dtacaímid leis an réiteach síochánta a bhainfeadh le saoirse, ceartas agus cothromas do chách sa réigiún, rud a aithníonn gur toradh an choimhlint le gairid ar ‘an teannas casta atá fréamhaithe go domhain sa réigiún’, áit ar sáraíodh an daonnacht, cearta an duine agus an ceart chun maireachtáil go síochánta le fada an lá in Gaza, in Iosrael agus ar an mBruach Thiar. 

I suíomh eile, san Afraic Theas, dúirt Nelson Mandela freisin, ‘the power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation’. Sa chomhthéacs seo, mar ollscoil, mar phobal scoláirí, cuireann scrios na n-ollscoileanna in Gaza agus marú an oiread sin scoláirí agus lucht acadúil ag fórsaí Iosrael isteach go mór orainn thar aon rud eile. Mar phobal ollscoile, tá freagracht ar leith orainn cur i gcoinne scrios d’aon ghnó ar áiseanna ardoideachais agus ionsaithe ar lucht acadúil agus déanaimid amhlaidh anseo. Iarraimid cuntasacht as coireanna den sórt sin, agus deireadh leis an marú. 

Dúirt Nelson Mandela chomh maith ‘we are steadily but surely introducing education that enables our children to exploit their similarities and common goals, while appreciating the strength in their diversity’. Is meabhrúchán tábhachtach é seo dúinn go léir ag an tráth seo ar ár luachanna agus ar an ngá atá le meas a bheith againn ar ghuthanna agus ar chúlraí éagsúla. Táimid ar son na síochána, na cómhaireachtála síochánta agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta. Táimid ar son 

Envisioning a future

offers protection from a cruel past

from pessimism

and stops you from falling into a pit with your enemy.

Mar sin, táimid i gcoinne an fhrith-Sheimíteachais, na hIoslamafóibe, gníomhartha cinedheighilte agus aon teanga, focail nó gníomhais – sa seomra ranga nó taobh amuigh de – a léiríonn drochmheas ar dhuine eile. Ba cheart dúinn go léir a thuiscint freisin nach ionann Palaistínigh agus Hamas agus nach ionann gníomhartha Stát Iosrael agus na Giúdaigh agus na hIosraelaigh go léir.

Tá bá againn lenár mic léinn agus ár bhfoireann go léir, ár bpobail go léir, a bhfuil tionchar ag imeachtaí in Iosrael agus sa Phalaistín orthu agus tacaímid leo. Tuigimid go maith an deis atá ag ollscoileanna tuiscint idirnáisiúnta a chumasú. Sa chomhthéacs sin, neartóimid an caidreamh le hollscoileanna in Gaza, ar an mBruach Thiar, Iarúsailéim Thoir, ar chúis chomónta. Fáiltímid roimh éileamh Rialtas na hÉireann ar athbhreithniú ar Chomhaontú Comhpháirtíochta AE-Iosrael, mar a tuairiscíodh, “on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement's human rights clause” agus déanfaimid athbhreithniú ar chaidreamh na hollscoile seo le hinstitiúidí Iosraelacha sa chomhthéacs sin.

Táimid tiomanta freisin do thacaíocht a thabhairt dár gcuid scoláirí agus comhaltaí foirne Iosraelacha agus Palaistíneacha go léir. Chuige sin, ag a gcruinniú ar maidin, phléigh Foireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile tacaíochtaí praiticiúla breise a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd atá i gceist. Seolfar amach ríomhphost eile níos déanaí sa tseachtain a dhéanfaidh cur síos ar na sonraí.

Is áit shábháilte í Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, mar Ollscoil Tearmainn, do chách agus impímid ar gach duine sa phobal, laistigh agus lasmuigh dár mballaí, a bheith mar shíochánaí, mar chomhréiteoir, ó tharla ár stair, ár nguthanna agus ár dtuairimí éagsúla rud a leagann an bhunchloch do dhaonnacht níos fearr, arna léiriú ag Nelson Mandela agus é ag siúl i dtreo na saoirse as Oileán Robben.

Le dea-ghuí,

An tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe 

 

Statements from 2023

Israel - Gaza | Iosrael - Gaza - October 18,2023 | 18 Deireadh Fómhair 2023

Recent events in the Middle East have once again highlighted the complex and deeply rooted tensions in the region.  As a community we are appalled by the impact of the conflict in Israel and Gaza.  Acts of terror and violence create a level of collective trauma and personal grief that is hard to comprehend.  And a horrific history happens again. 

With respect, our hearts go out to our Israeli and Palestinian students, colleagues and communities, we open our hearts to their suffering, in excellence we work every day for a better, more peaceful, more just world where communities are sustained by peaceful co-existence and a common humanity. 

We are also shocked by ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Myanmar, Ukraine and Sudan and the awful realisation that at any one time human rights abuses are taking place worldwide.  

These are profoundly difficult times but we stand for peace.  Therefore, this week, we have raised the peace flag in front of our Quadrangle Building.  We do this as an aspiration and a sign that while innocents fall victim to geo-politics, all most of us ever want in our lives is peace. University of Galway shows solidarity and sadness for all victims of violence.  We stand, as President Michael D Higgins has reiterated, for multilateralism and the rule of international law.

As the lyrics currently in our heads from The Cranberries’ Zombie go:

Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence
We must be mistaken

As a community we focus on our values, particularly the need to respect each other and show kindness.  We encourage our university community to make use of the supports available.  Students can find support through Student Services, the Students’ Union and the International Office.  Staff requiring assistance can do so through Human Resources Employee Services.

University of Galway is a microcosm of the world and we have an opportunity as a university community to show how diverse and different perspectives can coexist peacefully and constructively. 

It has been difficult to find words to make this statement.  I will finish with the final stanzas of a poem ‘The 40 Rules of Engagement’ published originally in Arabic by the Palestinian poet Marzouq al-Halabi, translated into English by Raphael Cohen, which was printedinHa’aretz in 2021:

Envisioning a future
offers protection from a cruel past
from pessimism
and stops you from falling into a pit with your enemy.

Maybe you can’t get back an orange grove
paved in concrete.
but bargain with them over the books
they confiscated,
so that life can continue.

The broader the vision
the more ways out of the confines
of the moment.

History
must remain free
to include a third narrative.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

President University of Galway

Chuir na himeachtaí a tharla le déanaí sa Mheánoirthear béim an athuair ar an teannas casta atá fréamhaithe go domhain sa réigiún.  Mar phobal tá uafás orainn faoin tionchar atá ag an gcoimhlint in Iosrael agus Gaza.  Cruthaíonn gníomhartha sceimhlitheoireachta agus foréigin tráma coiteann agus brón pearsanta atá deacair a thuiscint.  Agus tarlaíonn an stair uafásach an athuair.

Tá an-trua againn dár mic léinn, dár gcomhghleacaithe agus do na pobail Iosraelacha agus Phalaistíneacha, is trua linn a bhfulaingt, déanaimid sárobair gach lá chun domhan níos fearr, níos síochánta agus níos córa a fhorbairt ina gcothaítear pobail a mhaireann taobh le chéile go síochánta i ndaonnacht choiteann.

Tá uafás orainn freisin faoi na coimhlintí atá ar siúl in Éimin, i Maenmar, san Úcráin agus sa tSúdáin agus an tuiscint uafásach go bhfuil mí-úsáid chearta an duine ag tarlú ar fud an domhain ag aon am ar leith. 

Is am thar a bheith deacair é seo ach seasaimid ar son na síochána.  Dá bharr seo tá bratach na síochána ar foluain os comhair na Cearnóige an tseachtain seo.  Déanaimid é seo mar ardmhian agus mar chomhartha gurb í an tsíocháin an t-aon rud atá ón gcuid is mó againn inár saol, cé go mbíonn íospartaigh neamhchiontacha thíos le toradh na geo-pholaitíochta. Léiríonn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe dlúthpháirtíocht agus brón d’íospartaigh uile an fhoréigin. Seasaimid, mar atá ráite ag an Uachtarán Mícheál D. Ó hUiginn, ar son an iltaobhachais agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta.

Tagann liricí an amhráin Zombie de chuid The Cranberries chun cuimhne:

Another mother's breaking

Heart is taking over

When the violence causes silence

We must be mistaken

Mar phobal dírímid ar ár luachanna, go háirithe an gá atá le meas a bheith againn ar a chéile agus cineáltas a léiriú.  Spreagaimid ár bpobal ollscoile le leas a bhaint as na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil.  Is féidir le mic léinn tacaíocht a fháil trí Sheirbhísí do Mhic Léinn, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn agus an Oifig Idirnáisiúnta.  Is féidir le comhaltaí foirne a dteastaíonn cúnamh uathu é sin a fháil trí Sheirbhísí d’Fhostaithe in Acmhainní Daonna.

Is leagan ionadaíoch den domhan í Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus tá deis againn mar phobal ollscoile a léiriú conas is féidir le peirspictíochtaí ilghnéitheacha agus éagsúla maireachtáil le chéile ar bhealach síochánta agus dearfach. 

Tá sé deacair teacht ar línte chun an ráiteas seo a threisiú.  Críochnóidh mé anseo leis na véarsaí deireanacha den dán ‘The 40 Rules of Engagement’ leis an bhfile Palaistíneach Marzouq al-Halabi a foilsíodh ar dtús in Araibis agus a d’aistrigh Raphael Cohen go Béarla, agus a foilsíodh in Ha’aretz in 2021:

Envisioning a future

offers protection from a cruel past

from pessimism

and stops you from falling into a pit with your enemy.

Maybe you can’t get back an orange grove

paved in concrete.

but bargain with them over the books

they confiscated,

so that life can continue.

The broader the vision

the more ways out of the confines

of the moment.

History

must remain free

to include a third narrative.

An tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

President of University of Galway has paid tribute to the late Chuck Feeney: Tuesday October 10, 2023

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, has paid tribute to the late Chuck Feeney, founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies:  

“The community of University of Galway is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Chuck Feeney, an inspiring and transformative figure whose generosity and leadership was dedicated to making real differences in people’s lives, particularly on the island of Ireland.  

“Chuck Feeney realised the importance of investment in education and our University benefited immeasurably from his investment in people, our students, our staff, our research community. Everyone associated with our university, past, present and future generations, will always be grateful for that.  

“In September 2012, our University, together with the universities of Ireland, North and South, conferred an honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) on Dr Feeney. The award symbolised the respect and high esteem with which Chuck Feeney is held for his incredible support for Irish universities over many long years.  

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Statements from 2022

Governing Authority of University of Galway approves renaming institution to Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway: 27/04/2022

Údarás na hOllscoile, the Governing Authority of University of Galway, has today approved the renaming of the institution to Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway. 

The University is planning to formally adopt the new name at the end of the summer. 

From then the bilingual title of the university - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway - will be used on all official documentation.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “I would like to thank Údarás na hOllscoile for the consideration they have given to the future name and identity of our university

“The decision to rename our University is something to which we have given a lot of thought and it is a decision which is being taken following detailed assessment of the issues and comprehensive consultation and internal discussion. We are extremely grateful to everyone who engaged in that work.

“This university has been in Galway and of Galway since the mid-nineteenth century. Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, University of Galway, gives a clearer sense of who we are as an institution and of being of our place. Galway is a place of industry and creativity, of citizenship and debate. An in-between place, at the centre of a network of campuses stretching from Shannon to Donegal, including in our Gaeltacht regions, on the edge of and between continents, we here see the horizon everyday. 

“Like all good explorers, all good adventurers, all good researchers, we know we serve our students and our society best by always wondering what’s beyond the horizon. 

“As a community of scholars in a community of scholarship, we will continue this long and distinguished tradition and trajectory of curiosity, this ambition for our place and from this place, as we progress our values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability, for the public good.

“The university is proud of the role it has played in Galway's journey to become a global city. City and university have grown together and our new name encapsulates that history and is a promise for the future."

LGBT+ Statement of Support | Ráiteas Tacaíochta LGBT+: 22/04/22

At the start of this Semester we reminded both staff and students of NUI Galway’s commitment to respect for all people in our community, classroom and the wider society. We emphasised the importance of respectful dialogue and behaviour in all our interactions, being mindful of valuing the diversity of our staff and student body.

In the past week, we have witnessed shocking and tragic homophobic violence which has seriously impacted the LGBT+ community and allies across the country. These events are a reminder to us all that despite having a more inclusive legislative infrastructure which recognises the rights of LGBT+ people, there are still extreme challenges which prevail. NUI Galway wholeheartedly condemns these actions and the subsequent targeting of minority ethnic communities which has occurred since then. 

We are also very aware that many of our university community have been particularly impacted by this devastating violence in different ways. We will continue to strive for the rights, dignity and respect of all LGBT+ people within our university and wider community.  It is important that we celebrate our vibrant LGBT+ community on campus, in particular the work of BródSoc and the LGBT+ staff network.

At NUI Galway we have in place a number of supports for both students and staff as outlined below: 

For Students 

The Student Support and Wellbeing team have gathered some information on the supports available to students of NUI Galway.  If you feel any of these supports are relevant to you, or a fellow student, please get in touch with the particular service.  Also note: Text 'NUIG' to 50808: Free 24/7 text service available to students: 

 

For Staff 

The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is available to you and members of your household over the age of 18 for assistance and support. The Freephone number for the EAS is 1800 814 243.   You can register here.

Further information is also available at on the website Employee Assistance Service - NUI Galway The service is provided independently from the University and is completely confidential. This confidential service is accessible 24/7 365 days and is provided completely free of charge and may be of benefit to you at this time.  

For those who would like to seek support directly from LGBT+ community organisations, there are a number of options that AMACH LGBT Galway have listed here

Speak Out– Students and Staff 

We also want to remind all students and staff of the Speak Out tool. This is an online and anonymous reporting platform for you or anyone you know that has experienced any form of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. Available at https://NUIG.speakout.ie/

A comprehensive list of internal and external supports can be found on the Speak Out page by clicking here: https://NUIG.speakout.ie/all-supports  

Kind regards,

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

President NUI Galway

Róisín Nic Lochlainn

President NUI Galway Students’ Union 

Update on Ukraine Response | An tEolas is Déanaí maidir leis an Úcráin - 20/04/2022

Like so many others, our university community has watched in horror as the Russian invasion has brought senseless violence and aggression to Ukraine and we all feel a strong urge to find ways to show our support for the people of the region. As the events have unfolded, countless lives in Ukraine are being torn apart with indiscriminate killings, displacement, trauma, and separation from loved ones. 

If you have an offer of support for students, scholars, or academic staff coming from Ukraine please get in touch with ukrainesupport@nuigalway.ie, where we are collating this information.  You can also visit our dedicated Ukraine webpage which is being updated on a regular basis.

As a University of Sanctuary, NUI Galway welcomes the establishment of the National Steering Committee for Education to help Ukrainian scholars, students and researchers who have fled to Ireland, as announced yesterday by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D.

In line with our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and engaging openly with the world as laid out in the NUI Galway Strategy, our new Ukrainian UMT sub-group have agreed on a number of measures to help scholars and students fleeing from the conflict.

Minister Harris has confirmed that a National Student & Researcher Helpdesk is being established by the Department FHERIS on behalf of the higher education sector. We are pleased to work with Maynooth University which will host the centralised helpdesk and one-stop-shop  for all incoming refugees, students and researchers.

The helpdesk will offer the following supports:

• Provide initial advice on nature of documents required for transfer
• Initial check on adequacy of documents
• Refer students and researchers as appropriate to the most appropriate higher education institution;
• Provide consistency of approach across HEIs
• Follow up with students and researchers as needed. 

The helpdesk will take a few weeks to get up and running. In the meantime, we have three online forms available on our website for those Ukrainian scholars, students and researchers who want to register interest in NUI Galway. We will then be able to guide and support them through the next steps once the help desk is opened. 

It is important to acknowledge that the Ukrainian exodus is unprecedented in recent European history and that the Ukrainian sub-group has been convened as quickly as possible to react to this situation, to provide practical support where necessary. We are continuing to liaise with the Department directly and through the Irish Universities Association.  

Many of us are keen to help financially and we are in the process of organising a fundraising event in the University and will keep you informed as soon we have more information. In the meantime, please consider contributing to any of the charities directly below: 

• Concern Worldwide 
• Unicef 
• Red Cross (Ireland) 
• Red Cross (Ukraine)
  

A quick reminder that The Whitaker Institute & the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway is honoured to host an online event on Reconstructing the Economy of Ukraine at 6.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 April.  To register for the event please click here.

Kind regards,

Professor Becky Whay

Vice President International, NUI Galway

Support for Ukraine | Tacaíocht don Úcráin - 30/03/2022

In concert with universities across Europe we have already articulated our condemnation of the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We are fully aligned with the European Union sanctions on Russia and Belarus and with the interpretation of those sanctions by the Irish Government. 

In these circumstances no academic or research collaboration of any sort with Russian universities and research institutions is possible. This includes all elements of research roles including co-authorship, reviewing, membership of editorial and other boards, the provision of references. All existing collaborative research projects have been halted and no further projects will be undertaken  

We recognise that many people in Russia and Belarus are under immense pressure to align with the position of their respective governments and may not be doing so through choice.  However, until the invasion has ended and peace is restored, researchers and scholars in Russia and Belarus are now isolated and cannot participate in the international research community. While we can no longer work with entities or individuals in Russia and Belarus we remain enthusiastically committed to research collaboration across all other boundaries, regardless of nationality.

We fully appreciate that imposing these restrictions will have an impact on individual staff and students within NUI Galway, however, we see no other options in these circumstance

You may have questions about particular issues that arise. If so can you please send the query to ukrainesupport@nuigalway.ie and we will answer within two working days.

Further information and updates are available at https://www.nuigalway.ie/ukraine/

 

Support for Ukraine | Tacaíocht don Úcráin - 24/03/2022

Dear colleagues and students,

As you may know, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s has made an impassioned plea for citizens worldwide to show support for his country one month on from Russia’s violent invasion. 

In his address President Zelensky asks that we all come from our offices, our homes, our schools and our universities to demonstrate that “Freedom matters.  Peace matters.  Ukraine matters.”  

As you know the Quadrangle is currently being lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and we are proposing a demonstration of solidarity with the Ukrainian people there today 24 March at 4.45 p.m.  If you wish to show your solidarity, I invite you to come with a token of peace or the Ukrainian colours. 

Kind regards, 

Becky Whay 

Vice President International, NUI Galway 

Statement of Support for Ukrainian Students | Ráiteas Tacaíochta do Mhic Léinn ón Úcráin - 14/03/2022

Dear colleagues,

As you know, we at NUI Galway have expressed our outrage at the Russian invasion of Ukraine and for us, this violence is as abhorrent, as it is confusing and frightening. Although we cannot conceive of what the Ukrainian people are facing all of the University community are determined to do what we can to help.

In light of this, NUI Galway have convened a team dedicated to supporting Ukrainian students and scholars in these extremely challenging times, and following their first meeting on Friday it was decided to implement the following measures:

·           To the greatest extent possible, we will support and accommodate Ukrainians in third level education who find themselves in a position where they have to flee their country.

·           Students will be facilitated to continue, or to commence their studies at NUI Galway.

·           Ukrainian students will be treated as Irish Students in terms of their eligibility for grants and fees and we will be looking at how we can best offer scholarships to support these students.

·           The International Student Hardship Fund will be available to our current and future students as needed.

·           Pastoral care and counselling supports will be offered as an essential part of our response.

·           Research engagements and collaboration with Russia and Belarus will be cancelled, consistent with all EU sanctions in this regard.

NUI Galway is a university for the public good and we are determined to support Ukrainian students and scholars with the greatest level of flexibility and sensitivity. We are in the process of creating a webpage with more information on this and will keep you updated with any new initiatives as soon as we can.

In the meantime, for those who want to register and offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees who arrive in Ireland, you can do so here.

This is an extremely distressing time for all of us and I encourage the university community to support one another, as we look to the future with hope for peace.

Kind regards,

Ciarán

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President NUI Galway

Statement of Support for Ukraine | Ráiteas Tacaíochta don Úcráin - 01/03/2022 

As a University community, we are deeply shocked and outraged by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and condemn this unprovoked violence in the strongest possible terms. These actions are an assault on democracy and on the values of freedom, autonomy and respect that we all hold dear. We will continue to work with our colleagues here in Ireland and across Eastern Europe to offer our support to those affected.

As some of you may have noticed, the Quadrangle is being lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag in solidarity with its people. We will continue to do this until hostilities cease. In the coming days and weeks, we will do whatever we can to support those affected and can only wish for the best in these very dark times.

NUI Galway is currently providing support to members of the University community who may be impacted by the crisis. We are mindful of the financial hardship caused by this crisis, particularly to international students and the International Student Hardship fund will be available to support them where needed. Please find information on International Student support here and staff wellbeing here.

We welcome the Irish government’s decision on the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens and in addition to this, we will open up our University of Sanctuary scholarships for Ukrainian refugees.

The Ukrainian poet, Iya Kiva writes in one of her Three Poems in 2014:

to hold a needle of silence in your mouth
to stitch your words in white thread
to whimper while drowning in spit
to keep from screaming spitting blood
to hold the water of a language on your tongue
which leaks like a rusty bucket
to mend things that are still useful
to sew crosses on the really weak spots
like bandages on the wounded in a hospital
to learn to search for the roots of a life
that has yet to learn its name.

We recognise that this is a frightening and uncertain time for all of us and I would ask, that as you always do, you continue to look out for each other and offer kindness to everyone, to mend things that are still useful, to learn to search for the roots of a life.

Ciarán

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

President NUI Galway

Statement of Respect | Ráiteas Ómóis - 20/01/2022

Dear staff and students,

We hope you are staying safe and well at the start of this new Semester.

As we look forward to the future at the beginning of this new year, as President of NUI Galway and of its Students’ Union, we together here express our ongoing commitment to the core values of our University, particularly in relation to the importance of respect for all in our community, in the classroom and beyond.

While we recognise that informed debate and freedom of expression is necessary to a vibrant and healthy university setting, we must always treat each other with consideration and respect, whether in person, in virtual environments, over email, or on social media. Disrespectful comments towards any members or groups in the communities we serve have no place in our university.

As a thriving university we value all experiences, traditions, gender identities and ethnicities and we know that a civil and considerate environment is integral to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.  We ask all members of our university to recommit to treating each other well, with kindness, consideration and respect, both on and off campus.

Kind regards,  

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh 

President NUI Galway

 

Róisín Nic Lochlainn 

President NUI Galway SU