Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very disappointed at that, but I am getting good support from Deputy Browne.

The Minister of State launched Threshold's report. It made the point about NAMA having 10,000 units that could be utilised. It also raised the problem of deposit retention and the difficulties people are having in getting accommodation.

While it may be featured in the news, we often forget about the issue of the lack of student campus accommodation. Even if this is not in the Minister of State's area of responsibility, it should be looked by the Minister for Education and Skills. Students find it difficult to get accommodation because they need it for eight to nine months whereas landlords tend to offer 12-month leases. Those who are not students will find it easier to get such accommodation because it is more lucrative for a landlord to get a 12-month lease. I am glad more landlords and students are coming together, even to arrange an inspection per term, in order to clarify some of the outstanding problems. If one were to read e-mails from students and landlords or if one were to listen to Joe Duffy on "Liveline", one would be aware of the problems of anti-social behaviour, breakages and cleanliness in student accommodation. I could go further, but I know Deputy Browne wishes to speak.

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