Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
147. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department continues to engage with purpose-built student accommodation not affiliated to universities or technological universities that have not offered refunds to students for unused accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11859/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has held discussions with Athlone Institute of Technology regarding refunds for student accommodation; if students can access a mechanism to access refunds for accommodation at the institute that were paid in full to private landlords that are now not issuing refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance he will put in place to alleviate the financial hardship incurred by third level students forced to leave their student accommodation and return home due to Covid-19 restrictions and are still obliged to pay the full terms of their lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12204/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 153 and 206 together.
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).
