Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is a very sensible amendment. We did not think we would need to table something like this because when we discussed this after the USI and everyone came together, the Minister of State accepted the points that were made. Allowing someone to look for payment upfront goes against the whole concept of paying one month's rent in advance and then paying the rent every month. It is fairly straightforward. We need to protect students, especially at this time. Student accommodation is so hard to get that parents of students will go further than they need to in order to get it. There is a crisis in student accommodation and to allow any student, whether international or Irish, to be put at risk and not to be protected is incorrect. I ask, in all sincerity, that the Minister of State accept this amendment for what it is. It is not a political amendment. It is one that makes common sense and that will protect students and renters.

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