John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the matter of student accommodation. I met representatives of the Union of Students in Ireland and it is interesting that top of their list was the matter of student accommodation. There is an increasing number of students leading to increased demand for student accommodation. However, there has been a decrease in the mount of available accommodation. I ask the Leader to ask the relevant Minister - whether it is the Minister for Education and Skills or the Minister for Housing, Environment and Local Government - about this. I was under the impression there was an expanding pipeline of student accommodation being made available but it appears that is not the case. In Galway, there was a rent increase of 18% announced during college examinations for the official student accommodation there. It is in a rent pressure zone and I thought legislation would only allow for a 4% increase but it appears this does not apply to student accommodation. I would like that point to be clarified. The announcement during examinations meant that students were limited in what they could do but I understand the case is heading to the courts now.

Students are commuting long distances in trying to get around these problems. They are sleeping on sofas and all the rest of it. It is a major issue and it is raising its head as students finalise exams, get results and seek accommodation.I ask that we find out exactly what the situation is and what is being done about it.