On 25th September intensified protective measures in third level were announced, in line with public health advice. On-site activity in further and higher education will be reduced so long as these measures are in place. Campuses will remain open to facilitate learners and researchers attendance for laboratory, practical and apprenticeship training, scheduled library attendance and small group activity on a prioritised basis.
While I appreciate that this is disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, these measures are very important from a public health perspective in controlling the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Deputy will be aware that third level institutions are already engaging on their charging for student accommodation. As a result of the decision to reduce on-site teaching, a number of universities have confirmed that students who do not wish to proceed with their accommodation booking can cancel it without charge. Others have confirmed that students will be refunded pro-rata for the weeks they are not availing of accommodation.
I will be continuing to liaise with the sector through the Irish Universities Association to encourage the availability of fair solutions to students in university-owned student accommodation.
Ultimately universities are autonomous under the Universities Act 1997, and it is not within my remit to direct them in relation to the management of their student accommodation, which they have financed from their own resources.
I have asked my Department to continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to monitor and report to me on student accommodation issues in order to ascertain whether any further policy response is feasible.
