Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We already discussed an issue in an earlier question, and the Deputy has rightly differentiated the two issues, and have already discussed what we are doing as to on-campus accommodation. We have a clear obligation in that regard for universities to provide refunds and such flexible solutions.

As to private providers, I urge all providers to be flexible in finding solutions given the extraordinary circumstances in which students find themselves. This is not a normal year. I have to be truthful to the House in saying that there are no powers available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the licence agreements signed at the beginning of the academic year. That is the legal reality as of today.

In the first instance I am advised that students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. Students have access to the Residential Tenancies Board and the dispute resolution service. I have asked my Department to continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am aware that the Union of Students in Ireland had a meeting with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in September, I believe. I have asked my Department to revert to me to see if there are any further developments or actions that we could take to try to assist students in this regard. To be very clear, I agree with the Deputy on the need for people to do the decent thing and I will continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in this regard.

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