There are calls for more mental health supports for third level students and other young people.
Local TD Brendan Smith has said the ongoing pandemic has affected everybody in Ireland and he expects an increase in the number of young people seeking mental health referrals.
He told the Dáil September and October often see increases in referrals and he expects it to be higher this year due to the pandemic and uncertainty about people's futures.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said there's an ongoing campaign by some to pit generations against each other but younger people have suffered during the pandemic also.
Minister Harris said the Government is putting in place extra supports as well as increasing staffing in bodies like SUSI to progress student grant applications quickly.
Deputy Brendan Smith also said the provision of supports may need to be changed:
