Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Well, I am to a certain extent, because there have been occasions where I have heard what in my view was money being reannounced. On looking into it further, I have seen that had been announced two years running and had been within the base of the budgets at that time. In my view, when the Minister previously announced that 521 beds, I think it was irresponsible to reannounce them because it gives hope to students. Has the Minister given any commitment? Did he give any written commitment to DCU about the rest of the beds it has planning for and which it is hoping to progress? I also mention another part of the policy, which he included, about the refurbishment of vacant and derelict buildings. I wondered what research he had done on this, so I contacted the different universities.

Not all universities have replied yet. The Minister might be able to clarify the situation with the others. I will give a flavour of the responses I have received. DCU, UCC, UCD and ATU have no vacant or derelict buildings. The University of Galway had one building, which could potentially house approximately 80 beds. From what I have received thus far, we are talking about potential for 80 additional student beds. All student beds are welcome and I am not suggesting they are not but could the Minister inform us as to how many vacant buildings the universities have and how many beds he hopes to provide in that regard?