Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
106. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what mechanisms, if any, are available to him to prevent third-level institutions from increasing rents in college-controlled accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40747/23]
View answerThe difficulty faced by students in accessing affordable accommodation is an issue which the Government and I are actively pursuing. My Department is committed to addressing the supply of affordable student accommodation through a range of policy measures to activate supply of affordable accommodation. As part of this policy a number of short term projects with planning permission have been activated which will see approximately 30% of these beds provided at below market rates for target group students.
Nearly 1,200 student accommodation beds have been built by Higher Education Institutions over the last 18 months, bringing the total of publicly owned beds to over 15,200. Historically, the sector has endeavoured to provide accommodation at affordable rates. This rate varies from institution to institution and reflects the type and standard of the property, room type and cost of operating the accommodation.Higher Educational Institutions who provide student specific accommodation (SSA) are under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board and therefore must comply with the law governing rent reviews. Legislation was introduced in 2021 to cap rent increases at a maximum of 2% in Rent Pressure Zones in circumstances where general inflation is at a higher level. The majority of our universities and colleges are located within the Rent Pressure Zones and would therefore have to comply with the relevant legislation regarding potential rent increases.
I would encourage any student who is having difficulty with the costs associated in attending higher education to contact the college to establish what supports might be available to them including the Student Assistance Fund. I would also advise all students to consider if they are availing of the range of SUSI supports available including the reduction in fees of €500 which is available to families who earn between 62,000 and €100,000 gross annually.
