Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Up to a few years ago students were able to find accommodation, but the construction industry collapsed because the economy had collapsed. As a result and as the Deputy is well aware, funding had to be cut and the student registration fee had to be increased because of the state of the economy. I am aware that some institutes are engaged in seeking to find a solution. We also have, for example, the strategic investment fund set up by the Government which is one possible source of funding that is being explored. There have been schemes such as the one to which I referred, the USI's Homes for Study scheme and there are others that we have discussed with the USI.

A practical response is what is required, but also a more medium-term strategy, which the Government has announced in terms of the housing 2020 strategy, which includes student accommodation.

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