Student Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Questions (728)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

728. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if student accommodation being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees and International Protection applications over the summer months will, again, be available for student accommodation when the 2023/2024 academic year begins; if he will specifically engage with management of Hubble in Galway to ensure that their facilities are again made available for students after the summer break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32331/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department is engaging with the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) on an ongoing basis in relation to student accommodation for the 2023/24 academic year. It is agreed that all student accommodation contracted for the summer months to temporarily accommodate those fleeing the war in Ukraine, and those under International Protection will be fully vacated at the end of the respective summer contract periods. The durations of contracts are tailored to allow time for preparations to be undertaken for re-occupation by students for the upcoming academic year.