Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to thank an Teachta Cian O'Callaghan for tabling this question. It is something we have seen over the last number of weeks and days. Students have been coming together and clearly protesting any increases in the cost of student accommodation. This is not only for themselves, but they are showing solidarity for others and solidarity for the future. That is really powerful and strong and it highlights the benefits of that kind of protest.

We have also seen, as Deputy Cian O'Callaghan has mentioned, some universities bringing in extra charges. I said that the contribution charge was a fee under any other name and, to me, this is an additional rental accommodation charge under any other name. Again, my big concern is that it continues to lock people out of third level education. I am aware that it is a result of the wider housing crisis we are seeing, and how it is impacting so many families. That in itself is impacting people’s ability to go to third level education. We are seeing this so clearly for our student population.

See this speech in context