In the News..

Study reveals strong worker commitment alongside ongoing concerns over pay, conditions and wellbeing   A new survey of hospitality workers in Ireland has found strong levels of pride and commitment, but breaches of employment rights and high levels of stress, burnout, and poor workplace conditions across the sector. The findings are based on 736 responses collected from hospitality workers in Ireland in 2025 – the largest independent study of its kind to date. The research was led by University of Galway and forms part of a wider global project examining hospitality working conditions across multiple countries. Despite positive attitudes towards work and strong confidence in skills, the survey reports continued breaches of basic employment rights among some workers, including pay below the minimum wage, unpaid hours and missing employment documentation. The data suggests a persistent gap between the demands of the industry and the supports available to workers, reflecting long-standing issues affecting retention, wellbeing and performance. Dr Deirdre Curran, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, led the research: “These results will be of direct interest to policymakers, employer representative bodies, trade unions, employers, students and teachers of hospitality and employment relations, and those working in hospitality. “Our intention is to provoke evidence-based discussions leading to positive change for all. We have a responsibility to the people who shared their experiences with us, to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are placed at the centre of discussions on the future of the sector.” Key findings include: Despite Ireland’s suite of employment legislation, results show that some hospitality workers continue to lack basic employment rights: 6% of respondents stated they were paid below the minimum wage 11% claimed that they were not paid for every hour worked  22% had not received a written statement of the terms of their employment  13% did not receive regular detailed pay slips Respondents reported high levels of engagement with their work, alongside significant wellbeing challenges. 96% agreed/strongly agreed that they ‘care about being useful and productive’ 91% agreed/strongly agreed that they had ‘the skills to do their job with confidence’ 73% agreed that they ‘enjoy their work environment’  72% felt they were ‘treated with dignity and respect by their managers’ (less so by customers) 64% agreed/strongly agreed that they felt ‘emotionally drained’ by their work 71% stated that they felt ‘used up’ at the end of their workday 53% had witnessed bullying or harassment 38% said they had experienced bullying or harassment The report also examines the types of behaviour reported, along with who is most likely to be responsible and how incidents are handled in the workplace. The report covers the full range of working conditions in hospitality, including the demands placed on both employees and employers, as well as factors that attract workers to the sector and those that contribute to turnover. While the findings are indicative rather than representative, they provide a strong evidence base and the report includes recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues and supporting more sustainable working conditions for both employees and employers. The research team was led by Dr Deirdre Curran at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, and includes Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, Dr Áine Ní Léime and Olaiwola Ogunpaimo, University of Galway; Anastasia Kulichyova, Queen’s University Belfast; and Kevin Ward, Technological University of the Shannon. The project is part of the Global Hospitality Research Alliance, which examines working conditions in hospitality sectors across the Global North and Global South. The full report is available at https://researchrepository.universityofgalway.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/391e4cb7-1d0f-4f63-8200-930df80fc579/content   Ends

 Pilot spearheaded at University of Galway offers blueprint to position Ireland as a global hub for clinical research  University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials has hosted a national clinical research innovation day to examine how Ireland can strengthen its capabilities in clinical trials and enhance its position as a global MedTech hub.  To coincide with the event, the Institute launched a White Paper on the Hypercare initiative – a pilot project which demonstrates a blueprint for dramatically faster regulatory approvals for clinical trials and significant improvements in efficiency.  Hypercare is designed to support and improve Ireland’s capability, predictability, and competitiveness in medical device clinical investigations. The White Paper outlines three different cases which achieved authorisation to go to clinical trial significantly faster than the standard average of 73 days – with one case going from end-to-end regulatory review in half the time.   President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “The work of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway is a clear signal about the value of working together with a shared vision and towards a shared goal. The work of the team, our partners in the Health Service Executive, and industry has helped us to create this blueprint to position Ireland as a European and global leader in clinical trials.”  Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, said: “The findings from the Hypercare initiative demonstrate that targeted coordination and early engagement can make Ireland a more predictable and attractive environment for clinical research. This has implications not only for innovation, but for regional development and the long-term growth of the sector.”  The national clinical research innovation day, hosted by the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, was organised in collaboration with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), National Office for Research Ethics Committees (NREC), Data Protection Commission (DPC), Health Research Consent Declaration Committee (HRCDC), and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Representatives from regulatory bodies, healthcare services, academia, industry and patient groups attended.    The focus of the one-day event was on practical and regulatory aspects of conducting trials, including sessions on ethics, governance, and data protection.   It featured insights from real-world clinical trial studies, conducted through the Hypercare initiative. Contributions were made by InterVene, an international SME based in the US; Luminate Medical, a University of Galway spin-out; and Medtronic, which has a five-year €5million signature innovation partnership with University of Galway focuses on developing the MedTech ecosystem, STEM engagement and research.  Hypercare enabled the three companies to navigate the complexities of the pathway to authorisation for a clinical trial with different medical devices and investigation strategies.  Findings published in the White Paper include:   Increasing clinical research activity within hospitals contributes directly to the wider health system, supports job creation and skills development and enables earlier access to new and potentially life-enhancing treatment for patients.  The single point of contact created in the Hypercare initiative was a key driver of efficiency, removing administrative fragmentation and allowing their teams to focus on clinical execution rather than logistics.  The Health Protection Regulatory Authority reported that Hypercare significantly improved sponsor readiness and application quality and proactive early engagement helped streamline the process without compromising the rigor required for safety and performance.  Further scaling and investment in coordinated supports, could see Ireland significantly increase its share of global medical device clinical trials, strengthening both regional economies and national research infrastructure  Attracting and retaining clinical investigation activity can generate substantial regional economic benefits and further position Ireland as a globally competitive hub for MedTech innovation.  The White Paper can be read in full at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/instituteforclinicaltrials/ tbc   The national clinical research innovation day aimed to support knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the sector, with a particular focus on improving trial readiness, reducing barriers to innovation, and enabling earlier patient access to new treatments.  Professor Tom Melvin, Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “The initiation of a clinical study relies on the coordinated contribution of multiple organisations. The Hypercare pilot demonstrates that complex clinical study pathways can be streamlined for medical technologies. This supports the translation of scientific discoveries into enhanced patient care. This also supports our health service, by providing earlier access to medical technologies designed to address unmet medical need.”  John Kilmartin, Adjunct Professor, Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “I believe that this collaborative partnership stands as a model for academic–industry collaboration, advancing innovation while upholding the highest clinical and regulatory standards. Aligned with the mission of the Institute for Clinical Trials, this project drives excellence, inclusivity, and need-driven research to improve health outcomes for Irish patients. The Hypercare project aims to highlight positive changes in the delivery of clinical research in Ireland, attracting further interest and investment from MedTech stakeholders nationally and internationally." Professor Donal Reddan, Director of Research, HSE West and North-West Region, said: “The Hypercare initiative clearly demonstrates how a coordinated approach across regulators, ethics committees clinical site teams and the wider public health system can significantly accelerate the opening of clinical studies. By enabling early engagement, parallel processes and a single point of coordination, it is helping to reduce study start-up timelines without compromising regulatory standards, supporting faster access to innovative treatments for patients across the public health system.” Ends  

New undergraduate degree in Global Luxury and Experience Management launched to coincide with celebrations Shannon College of Hotel Management has today marked 75 years of hospitality education with a milestone anniversary celebration and the launch of a new undergraduate degree - Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Global Luxury and Experience Management. The event was centred around the launch of a new ambitious vision for the future of Shannon College, including an outline of plans for a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning building. Founded in 1951 by Dr Brendan O’Regan, Shannon College of Hotel Management has grown from an ambitious idea in the Shannon region to become a world-renowned school as part of University of Galway which has a distinctive place in Irish and global hospitality education. The 75th anniversary event brought together alumni, students, staff, friends of Shannon College, members of the community and industry partners to reflect on its long-standing contribution to the national and international hospitality sector, while also looking ahead to the future of hospitality education. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “It is a privilege to be part of a 75th anniversary celebration which so clearly shows the strength of the bond between students, staff, graduates and the region, while also demonstrating the impact of the Shannon College globally. We look forward to greater successes in hospitality education as ambitions for the future become a reality.”  Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “Over the past 75 years, Shannon College has adapted to changing times while holding firmly to its defining values. This approach has helped generations of graduates build successful careers. The new degree programme launched today - Bachelor of Business Studies in Global Luxury and Experience Management - will continue to build on that legacy, while opening new pathways for students into dynamic and growing global industries.” Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: “The launch of the new BBS in Global Luxury and Experience Management degree programme reflects our commitment to developing future leaders with the skills and insights to thrive in an increasingly experiential-focused hospitality landscape.” Shannon College’s new BBS in Global Luxury and Experience Management combines business knowledge with specialist capability in luxury markets, digital engagement, service excellence and international brand environments. It has been designed to equip graduates for roles that require the ability to design, deliver and manage high-value customer experiences in a wide range of settings. The 75th anniversary celebrations included conversations, billed as Down Memory Lane, with graduates including Daniel McLoughlin, founder of RockSalt; former Deputy Head of School Kate O’Connell; and current third-year student, Erin Brady. Graduates of Shannon College Nicky Logue, General Manager Intercontinental Hotel Dublin, Ruth Scanlon, Marketing Director Reignwood UK, and Christine Murphy, Founder of Urban Aran, also took part in the event, reflecting on their careers and the opportunities presented by the new degree. The celebrations also included the launch of a Shannon College 75th Anniversary Commemorative Whiskey, produced in collaboration with Co Clare Whiskey Bonder JJ Corry. The Shannon College brand is carried across the world by a global alumni community of more than 3,000 graduates in senior roles including chief executive officers of international hotel groups, leaders of global hospitality brands, chairs of major tourism destinations, and presidents and chairpersons of national and international hospitality organisations. Its practice-led approach combines academic study, professional training, immersion in language, international experience and close industry engagement, helping generations of graduates build careers across hotels, tourism, luxury hospitality, financial services, destination management, events, enterprise and other sectors. Shannon College has maintained a 100% employment record for undergraduate programmes since 1951, reflecting the enduring strength of the Shannon education and the values of professionalism, integrity, service excellence and warmth that continue to define the “Shannon Family”. Ends