Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The RTB is not under my remit but I will seek that information. It is important to have that information. If I secure that information, I will share it with Deputy Conway-Walsh. From memory I know that my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, issued a circular in regard to ensuring that student accommodation was utilised for that purpose. There is possibly an issue that some private developments could now be used as part of the humanitarian response in regard to Ukraine but I will check that and come back to the Deputy with more information. We have seen a significant shift in policy because student accommodation does not just benefit students, it benefits the overall housing supply because it frees up accommodation rented by students in the private rental market. There is a double benefit to it. We have managed to unlock projects that were stuck and have been stuck for some time in Limerick, in Dublin City University, DCU, most recently, in Maynooth University and in University of Galway.

Within the technological university sector, which is of interest to the Deputy's constituency, we have now provided €1 million for that sector to bring in their experts. I was in the South East Technological University, in Waterford, this week. That is going to bring forward plans to deliver 500 beds in Waterford. Now that we have a model and a template I expect this to keep rolling in regard to Government interventions to get more projects over the line. We certainly will not be found wanting as those proposals come forward.

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