Phil Hogan
Question:78 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to tackle the crisis in student accommodation. [7277/00]
Written Answers. - Student Accommodation.
Brendan Howlin
Question:88 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the submission made to Government by the Union of Students in Ireland in relation to student housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7121/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 88 together.
In the pre-budget submission made by the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, they called for substantial investment by the State in on-campus student accommodation and they acknowledged the provisions of section 50 of the Finance Act 1999 in relation to student housing.
I am conscious of the serious supply pressure which exists on student accommodation. Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999 was introduced specifically to relieve some of the pressure by providing a scheme of tax relief for the provision of rented residential accommodation in the third level sector. Properties qualifying for relief under the scheme are campus areas of the educational institution, or areas within an 8 kilometre radius of the main campus, which are approved by the educational institution as being an area within which a qualifying development may take place.
Given that the legislation and regulations are in place a relatively short time I am satisfied with the progress to date. As relief will be available under the legislation for expenditure up to 31 March 2003, the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students and, therefore, there are no plans to intervene further at this stage.