Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015
126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for student accommodation; her discussions with third level institutions on the issue of student accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8832/15]
View answerThe HEA are currently working on a draft report on student accommodation which will be available in early April and will give us an up to date picture of the situation.
Some institutions provide a range of accommodation, and all colleges have an obligation to work with students' unions and other groups, to provide students with details on accommodation options.
Initiatives such as USI's 'Homes for Study' are of help to students and list suitable accommodation available to rent across Ireland.
I will continue to work with stakeholders to explore ways to increase the availability of student accommodation.
In the longer term, the Government is committed to addressing the housing shortage through the Construction 2020 strategy. This will not resolve all of our problems immediately, but I am confident that the implementation of Construction 2020 will provide us with a sustainable housing stock in the medium to longer term.
