Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, other representatives and I attended a briefing given by the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, which is concerned about the underfunding of third level education. Registration fees in some colleges amount to almost €1,000. The percentage of money allocated from them to student support services is decreasing whereas the percentage used to pay budget deficits is increasing. The USI suggested that it takes 12 weeks for students in need of help to see counsellors. This is a damning indictment of colleges and I ask that the Minister for Education and Science address it as a matter of urgency.

Some students live in dreadful conditions. Last year, the number of properties available to them decreased by 20%, forcing students into appalling conditions. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government stated that he would establish a task force or working group to examine this matter. When will this urgently required task force be established?