Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for her forbearance. I was at a committee meeting with representatives of RTÉ.

Curim buíochas agus comhghairdeas leis an Sinn Féin Party for bringing forward this important Bill. It is time sensitive because students have just finished the college year and are looking forward to their summer break before returning in the autumn. The Minister of State understands this issue because he is from a university city. I met his lovely daughter in Leinster House last week or the week before. He is a man who understands this issue because he is going through it. My youngest daughter finished college a number of weeks ago. I have put five girls through college, while the buachaillí went to work. That is the way it is. People might say we are old-fashioned.

We need a sensitive understanding in our approach to a model of student accommodation. It is just not fair to put parents and students under the type of pressure they are experiencing. I have seen the extortion that is happening. My colleague referred to students having to pay rent for 12 months instead of nine. In most cases, student accommodation is rented out separately during the summer months while the students are gone. Are these landlords getting paid on the double? They need to be understanding. I know it is not easy for landlords. I have spoken to the Minister of State about the need to provide on-site student accommodation. It is the best type of accommodation. Students flourish in it because it is near the campus and it is secure. They do not have to be at the mercy of private landlords.

The whole situation is not easy. I have traipsed around Dublin, Cork and Limerick with my wife and daughters trying desperately to find student accommodation. There is a limited supply of properties and an oversupply of young, enthusiastic and wonderful students who want to further their education. They play a huge part in the vibrancy of this country as we go forward. The Minister of State understands all of this. I appreciate his undertaking to change the legislation to address the issue of students being charged for 12 months. That needs to be done. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.

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