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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 3

Written Answers. - Student Accommodation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

121 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to make immediate moves towards the construction of purpose-built and State-funded student accommodation in all third level institutions here. [4140/03]

My Department does not provide direct financial assistance for the provision of student accommodation. In recognition of the difficulties students can experience in obtaining accommodation and following consultation with third level colleges, a special tax incentive was introduced to encourage the provision of dedicated student residential accommodation in section 50 of the Finance Act 1999. The tax incentive is available for expenditure up to 31 December 2004 where an application for planning permission is received by a planning authority by 30 September 2003. Therefore the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students. The rent-a-room relief scheme was introduced in the Finance Act 2001. It allows homeowners to rent out a room in their homes and have rental income up to €7,620 a year tax-free. The scheme encourages householders to rent rooms to students.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 118.

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