Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Byrne for her presentation. I start by acknowledging the very important role the USI and its constituent members have been playing, both in forcing this matter on to the political agenda here and with the various protests in north County Dublin and Galway, which spurred many of us into action. It has played a very important role in the housing and homeless coalition and Raise the Roof, making a significant contribution to the mobilisation on 3 October.

To respond to the question, the intention of the Bill is to see the protections of the Residential Tenancies Act applying to all students in all student-specific accommodation, both public and private. We made it clear in the session earlier today that we are quite happy to work with other Members to amend the legislation if required.

Perhaps I have some good news. Representatives from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, who were here before our guests, have confirmed that they are working on amendments to the Bill to be introduced by the Minister to do exactly what we have been asking of him since those protests first arose earlier this year. They are seeking to bring those amendments on Committee Stage of the Minister's Bill, which we are told is to be published this year and come to committee early next year. They also confirmed they are seeking amendments to apply to both halls and the private sector, which is very positive.

I do not really have any questions as the presentation sums it up for all of us. The witnesses will hear from other members but this committee is acutely aware of the difficulties this crisis is placing on students. We are 100% behind what they are seeking. We have said clearly to the Government that if it is faster for us to support its legislation, we are happy to withdraw our Bill, but we are not willing to withdraw it until we see what is proposed by the Government. It is certainly Sinn Féin's desire - I hope I have the support of the committee - to continue to press ahead with this Bill as amended by other members of the committee to reflect the work they have done on the issue until we see something from the Government. We will consult the witnesses when we see what the Government is proposing and if it does the job, we will switch to supporting that Bill because the process would be quicker. There is a desire for greater urgency on behalf of the Government and the Departments involved so we would like to see that reflected in the speed with which they bring amendments.

I congratulate the delegation. We will continue to work with the witnesses to achieve these objectives.