Maynooth's student guidelines on generative AI were co-created with students in March 2025. Their default is clear: if AI use is not clearly indicated by your teaching staff or department guidelines, it is not permitted. Here is what that means (checked October 2026).
See how Esmond worksThe guidelines ask you to consult your lecturers about which types of GenAI are permitted in each module or assignment. If it is not clearly indicated by teaching staff or department guidelines, no GenAI is permitted.
The guidelines also describe a student declaration of use attached to assignment submission sheets.
Esmond is an AI tool, even though it only evaluates and never writes. Under Maynooth's default, you should only use it for an assignment where your lecturer or department has clearly indicated that this kind of use is permitted. If in doubt, ask first.
Esmond evaluates; it does not write. You upload your own draft and get comments in the margin plus a report that shows where your argument, method or use of sources is weaker, and why. It does not write or rewrite your text: it points to the weak spot and gives a direction for revising it. Where a comment includes an example, it illustrates a principle; the sentence you submit is one you write yourself.
Maynooth University has no connection with Esmond and has not endorsed it. Be straight with yourself: Esmond works with language models, so using it is a form of AI use. Rules on AI differ per university, programme, module and assignment. Check your module or programme handbook before you upload, and if it is unclear, ask your supervisor or module coordinator and declare the use if your institution asks you to.
This page summarises what the institution publishes, with links to the source. It is not legal advice and not a ruling on your assignment: what your programme, module or supervisor sets always comes first.
Under Maynooth's student guidelines, if use is not clearly indicated, no GenAI is permitted. Ask your lecturer or supervisor first.
No. Esmond is independent. Maynooth University has no connection with Esmond and has not endorsed it.
Official document, checked October 2026. Read the full text at the source.
Esmond is preparing its launch in Ireland and is not taking orders here yet. Until then you cannot upload or order anything here; the guides on this site are free to read.
See how Esmond works