Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend an Teachta Eoin Ó Broin for introducing this comprehensive legislation which will give students in student accommodation the protection of the Residential Tenancies Acts. It will allow students to access the Residential Tenancies Board and ensure they are included in rent pressure zones. If the Dáil really believes in access to education at all levels, all obstacles must be removed in order that young people, in particular, can reach their full potential. As part of this, we need to provide decent accommodation with decent rents and conditions.

I have been informed by representatives of the Union of Students in Ireland at Dundalk Institute of Technology in my constituency that the lack of affordable accommodation is affecting the number of young people who are able to take up courses. The availability and cost of accommodation can have a bad impact on educational attainment and course completion rates. Cushman and Wakefield reported in their 2017 student accommodation report that there were 60,000 students chasing 35,000 spaces. It is estimated that this number will increase, with almost 70,000 students looking for accommodation in the next five years. The reality is that the provision of student accommodation, especially in Border constituencies such as Louth, is inadequate.

A year ago there were 11 student accommodation projects under construction, ten of which were being built by private developers. As an Teachta Martin Kenny said, this shows that student accommodation has become a means of profit - an opportunity for the private sector to increase profit. It is a nightmare for students to try to find somewhere to stay and a means of paying exorbitant rents. Most students at Dundalk Institute of Technology can expect student accommodation to cost almost €500 a month, with many of them paying significantly more. This is generally for a single room and does not include additional costs such utility bills and heating. We know that costs are even greater in Dublin, with some students being expected to pay over €900 a month in rent.

The Residential Tenancies (Student Rents, Rights and Protections) Bill 2018 is one way of tackling these problems. It will do what it says on the tin. It is about including student licences in the provisions contained in the Residential Tenancies Acts.

This will ensure properties in the affected areas are covered by rent pressure zones and provide access for those living in student properties to the Residential Tenancies Board. This is a commonsense proposal that has been welcomed by student groups. It can assist students to stay in full-time education by ensuring they will not be charged exorbitant rents. I commend the Bill to the House and ask all Deputies and the Government to give it their full support.

See this speech in context