Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
648. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44842/20]
View answer649. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he will take to ensure the return of accommodation fees that were paid in good faith at the start of the academic year in light of the fact that, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the majority of third level colleges are carrying out lectures online and students are no longer availing of the student accommodation cannot attend college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44845/20]
View answer652. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide a support package for struggling families and students who have paid significant accommodation costs to private providers and cannot receive refunds (details supplied). [44958/20]
View answer656. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter regarding refunds for campus accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45117/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 649, 652 and 656 together.
I am conscious of the challenges faced by students regarding student accommodation this year due to both financial pressures, and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year.
The Deputy will be aware that the university sector has been actively engaging with these issues. As a result of the decision to minimise on-site teaching, all universities have confirmed that students who opted to leave their university-owned student accommodation as a result reduced on-campus activity will be offered refunds or rental credits. The processing of these refunds is a matter for the universities themselves, and any student who wishes to receive a refund for their on-campus accommodation should engage directly with their university’s accommodation office.
In relation to the University of Limerick specifically I have been informed that students were given until 31st October to cancel their accommodation and receive a full refund. Students who chose to leave their accommodation after 31st October due to the remote format of the academic year have been offered a rental fee credit. I will continue to liaise with the sector through the Irish Universities Association to encourage the availability of fair solutions to students in university-owned student accommodation.
However this applies only to accommodation owned by the universities themselves. In the case of privately-owned student accommodation, 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.
I have asked my officials to continue to engage with the sector and to keep me updated on relevant developments in this important area.
