Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Students are some of the hardest hit by the rental crisis. Many students are staying in hostel dormitory rooms for whole semesters as a result of limited accommodation options. Low incomes combined with the need for eight to nine-month leases are restricting their options in the rental market.Some 2,876 bed spaces of purpose-built student accommodation were opened in Dublin city in 2018, almost all of which provide luxury accommodation and cater for international students. Prices range from €250 to €410 a week. It does not just have a knock-on effect on rents in the local area, it also provides political cover for the Government which is failing to provide affordable options and uses the new build figures as a sign that it is addressing targets. I fear that the inaction to provide affordable rental options for students has started to restrict access to third level education for those who need to rent, particularly in Dublin. The Government is continuously delaying in bringing purpose-built student accommodation within rent pressure zone legislation. Students have been faced with huge rent hikes, particularly in Dublin and Galway. They are to be combined with a student contribution charge of €3,000, the second highest in Europe. Students are feeling serious financial pressure. I, therefore, ask the Leader when the Seanad will next hear statements on housing. Will he inform the Minister of the need to discuss in that debate the issue of student accommodation, particularly luxury student accommodation?