Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
984. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received a report on the increased rent for campus accommodation at third level colleges for the next college year; the proposed increases in euros, and in percentage terms, for campus accommodation from September 2015 in each of the colleges; her plans for additional campus accommodation at third level colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22050/15]
View answerData gathered for the report referred to by the Deputy is being validated by the HEA in consultation with my Department and other stakeholders. I expect the report to be finalised in the coming weeks. As I have previously stated, 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. With regard to the cost of on campus student accommodation for the next academic year, I have asked the HEA to gather that information and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
