Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will add to what other speakers said about the boundaries review. I live in the constituency of Dublin Rathdown, as do a number of other Senators, including Senators O'Donnell, Craughwell and Richmond. Dublin Rathdown experienced the single largest butchering of any constituency the last time around in that it went from being a five-seater to a three-seater. No other constituency lost 40% of its area. For any area to lose that many constituents is unfortunate and unhelpful and it would better if this was not done in the future. Could the Leader bring in the relevant Minister at some stage to talk about the boundaries review and what the process will be the next time around?

It is now mid-July, and within a month or so, leaving certificate results will come out followed by CAO offers and the annual search for student accommodation throughout the country but particularly in south Dublin which is one of the most expensive places to find property. Could the Leader bring in the relevant Minister or authority to discuss how we could provide additional on-campus accommodation throughout the country but particularly in the areas where housing need is greatest? The less student accommodation there is, the more private housing is taken up by students, which deprives families and other people of the chance to get into the housing system or onto the housing ladder. It would be helpful if we discussed how we can provide additional on-campus student accommodation, especially in areas where rents are very high. This could offset some of the costs students and their families face.