Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
173. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene in the ongoing dispute at the University of Limerick regarding refunds for students that have paid for campus accommodation and have not been able to use it for the past number of months. [7478/20]
View answerMy Department is working with representatives from the higher education sector to address the challenges faced by students in this difficult time. I understand based on the information available to me that the majority of students in university-owned accommodation will receive pro-rata refunds if they have vacated their accommodation.
I have called on the University of Limerick to join with the other universities and offer refunds to students who have left, however universities are autonomous bodies and its not within my remit to direct any institution to offer a refund. I have also discussed this matter directly with the Chancellor of UL. I understand that the issue is currently under active consideration by the UL governing body, and that a decision will be made shortly.
