Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he and his Department are taking to support students who are being asked to pay for accommodation for 52 weeks of the year, despite only being in college for nine months of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8780/24]
View answerI have been working with Minister O’Brien on this matter and I really want to thank him for his continued support. We both agree the actions of these providers is unacceptable. While it may suit some specific third level students, it is not desirable or affordable for the majority of the student population and we intend to take a number of actions to mitigate this barrier to accessing higher education.
I will be writing to Dublin City Council and other relevant local authorities seeking an urgent assessment to ascertain if providers are operating in compliance with specific planning permissions for the developments.
Minister O'Brien and I are examining legislative amendments to ensure contracts are prioritised for students in the academic year under the Residential Tenancies Act.
I also encourage students to contact providers directly to ascertain the availability of accommodation for the academic year. Additionally under the Residential Tenancies Act (2016) landlords cannot ask anyone to pay more than the equivalent of two months’ rent to secure a tenancy.
I ask students to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. Student accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. A student can contact the RTB with complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.
