Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want university-owned accommodation fees to be refunded where students cannot use the accommodation, or at least fair solutions to be found.

I have said that in crystal clear language to representative bodies on a number of occasions. I have also said it in the presence of Union of Students in Ireland, USI, representatives. It is my position and that of the Government and I expect it to happen swiftly. I welcome the progress that has been made and I accept there is more that needs to be done.

I will take the Deputy up on her offer to outline to the House what level 5 means for students and universities because that is important. Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential, insofar as on-site presence is required and such educational activities cannot be held remotely. This is not March in that we are not locking the doors of our universities as we did then. In overall terms, all further and higher education institutions should continue to deliver the vast majority of classes online. We all recognise that but reflecting the scale, diversity and variety of third level provision, higher and further education institutions are best to determine where on-site presence is required and my Department has been engaging with unions, student representatives and university leaders on this.

Teaching and research in laboratories, practical and skill-based tuition, workshops, including training of apprenticeships, engagements, including small groups of learners where learners might be vulnerable or require additional support, and scheduled access to libraries, which is very important for our students, are the sort of things that can continue on-site but the public health advice is that most should be done online.

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