Róisín Shortall
Question:209 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to the provision of on-campus student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12172/00]
Written Answers. - Student Accommodation.
Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999, was introduced specifically to relieve some of the supply pressure for student accommodation 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 8km 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 I do not propose to intervene further at this stage.