Student Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (299)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

299. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he plans to address the ongoing issue of student accommodation in which students who left their accommodation due to Covid-19 when universities were shut down and are not being refunded their accommodation fees; the representations his Department has made on this issue; if a partial or full refund of accommodation fees is being considered; if he is considering making available financial supports for students in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9441/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My 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 students in university-owned accommodation will receive pro-rata refunds if they have vacated their accommodation. 

I have indicated that I would wish to see this principle applied in the case of students who were residing in privately owned student accommodation however it is not within my remit to direct any accommodation provider to offer a refund.

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 in regard to a refund.

If this is not possible, under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The relevant division of the RTB can be contacted by email at [e-mail] or by phone on 0818 30 30 37 or 01-702 8100.