Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
90. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address the issues for students who have paid for student accommodation but whose colleges have now shut in the short and or medium term due to public health restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31341/20]
View answerI am conscious of the challenges faced by students regarding student accommodation this year due to financial pressures and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year.
Responding to these issues is a significant matter of concern for myself and for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and we are examining how accommodation providers can be encouraged to show greater flexibility to students during this challenging time.
The Deputy will be aware that the university sector is already engaging with these issues. I will be continuing to liaise with the sector through the Irish Universities Association to encourage the availability of fair solutions to students in university owned student accommodation.
On 25th September intensified protective measures in third level were announced, in line with public health advice. On-site activity in further and higher education will be reduced so long as these measures are in place. Campuses will remain open to facilitate learners and researchers in accessing laboratories, practicals and apprenticeship training, scheduled library attendance, and small group activity on a prioritised basis.
While I appreciate that this is disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, , these measures are very important from a public health perspective in controlling the spread of the Coronavirus.
For students in the private rental market, I am urging providers to be flexible in finding solutions given the circumstances that students find themselves. There are, however, no powers available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. If this is not possible, students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board.
