Vol. 509 No. 3
6 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science if section 10, paragraph 2, of his guidelines on residential developments for third level students relating to pending development of Part M should refer to new dwellings commencing on or after 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19792/99]
Section 10, paragraph 2, of my Department's guidelines on residential developments for third level students refers to proposed amendments to Part M of the building regulations, 1997, to ensure that new dwellings commencing on or after 1 January 2000 will be accessible by people with disabilities. The guidelines state that the design of residential accommodation for students should take this pending development of Part M into account.
I understand from my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, that Part M of the building regulations, when amended, will now apply to new dwellings commencing on or after 1 July 2000 and will not apply retrospectively to dwellings commenced prior to that date. My Department is currently making arrangements to have the guidelines amended to reflect the later date.
I thank the Minister for his reply. The guidelines are extremely detailed but they appeared straightforward. However, as the Minister is aware, a particular interpretation was put on the section which created some difficulties. His reply took account of that position and the response is adequate. I ask the Minister to keep an eye on the situation to ensure that dedicated student accommodation is provided and that elements such as security and management are included.
I am anxious to ensure that the reliefs given in the last Finance Act lead to the expansion of student accommodation in terms of the number of places and units as quickly as possible. There is an issue in relation to student accommodation and I am anxious that the measures taken last year have the desired effect in terms of increasing the number of places available.
