Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the House will be aware, the Minister, Deputy Harris, secured Government support for his Department's long-term student accommodation policy in January. The policy sets out a number of measures to increase the supply of accommodation through all forms of tenure, recognising the differing regional needs. The aim of the policy is to increase the supply of student accommodation and to examine alternative solutions which will remove accommodation as a barrier to higher education. This will be accomplished through a number of methods, which include new-build purpose-built student accommodation, PBSAs, refurbishment and renovation of vacant and existing building stock, and the promotion of the rent-a-room scheme.

In the context of wider housing shortages, the dual benefit policy will free up private rented accommodation by increasing the supply of student specific accommodation. The policy will inform the development of the new student accommodation strategy and associated schemes which will further be developed throughout 2024 in consultation with Government colleagues and stakeholders. The Minster, Deputy Harris, encourages any student or parent who has a specific concern, believes that their landlord is in breach of rental law, or has exceeded the permitted rent pressure caps, to contact the RTB as soon as possible or to submit their query or complaint.

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