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

I am somewhat perplexed by this whole thing. I am unclear as to why Cabinet approval was needed. I have concerns about how fully it was thought through. In 2022 the Irish Independentreported that: "Higher Education Minister Simon Harris is today seeking Government approval for a strategy around State investment in campus accommodation." This was to involve a "Grant paid to colleges, to allow for repurposing of vacant housing stock to accommodate students." I do not understand why Cabinet approval was needed for that when, according to the Irish Independent, it was already under way in 2022. I cannot understand why, as the Minister said, the universities requested this when they do not seem to have any real vacant or derelict stock. From my own the questioning of them, so far I have only been able to identify 80 beds. Why would they ask for grants which most will not be able to use? I know now what the Minister stated today and I also understand that at the committee earlier today there was talk about commercial units, vacant units as well. This was not previously mentioned in that announcement.

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