Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and will pursue the two specific issues she has raised and any individual cases that she wishes to bring to my attention. My view on this is the same as hers, namely, that in the case of college-owned accommodation, refunds should be issued. In fairness to our universities, I understand it has been a very challenging year for them but it has been an extremely challenging year for their students and they need to be as flexible as they possibly can in that regard. The Higher Education Authority is there to assist them.

Ultimately, we need to build a lot more student accommodation. We have a target of additional purpose-built student accommodation for 21,000 more students by 2024. As I said to the Deputy before at the education committee, I am concerned that we are too reliant on the private market for student accommodation. We are nearly pitting students against families or working professionals for limited accommodation, particularly in our cities. I am very interested in working with this House and with the education committee to ensure we fulfil the commitments in Rebuilding Ireland which is to have 21,000 additional places for students in purpose-built accommodation by 2024.

See this speech in context