Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that I will inquire into the position regarding the old military barracks site in Castlebar to see what the position is and establish if progress can be made. I will familiarise myself further with the matter. He mentioned it to me previously. I will get the view of ATU and the Department. I will be happy to revert to the Deputy on the matter.

The Government will continue to do everything we can to increase supply but we are also looking at different ways in terms of helping with affordability. Of course, the actual cost of rent is one way of helping with affordability. So, too, are increased student grants, reducing registration fees and increasing the student assistance fund. We will look at many different ways of how we can reduce the pressures of the cost of education on students and their families.

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