Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - Student Accommodation.

Seán Haughey

Question:

189 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to co-ordinate a programme of Government investment in on campus university accommodation and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9255/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In recognition of the difficulties being encountered by students and following consultation with third level colleges, this Government introduced special tax incentives to encourage the provision of student rented residential accommodation in the Finance Act, 1999. Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999, provides a scheme of tax relief for the provision of rented residential accommodation in the third level sector.

These incentives are intended to increase the availability of dedicated student housing and represent a targeted response to the underlying issue of an accommodation shortage.

As the tax relief will be available for expenditure up to 31 March 2003, the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students. As indicated in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the Government will be evaluating the impact of these tax incentives and will consider further action in the light of the results of the evaluation.