Vol. 529 No. 3
59 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of units of student accommodation that have to date been developed as a result of section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999; if he considers this policy has worked; the proposals he has to provide more on-campus accommodation and/or to directly grant-aid the provision of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2747/01]
Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the Government is committed to evaluating the impact of the section 50 tax incentive scheme introduced in the Finance Act, 1999. As part of this evaluation, a survey is currently being undertaken by my Department in order to establish the existing and future supply of student accommodation.
Based on the returns received to date, a significant number of schemes are at various stages of planning and a number of developments are already completed. When this survey is complete, my Department will provide the information to the Deputy.
The section 50 tax incentive is available for expenditure up to 31 March 2003, therefore, the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students. My Department does not provide direct financial assistance for the provision of student accommodation.
