Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a student accommodation strategy is currently being prepared in view of the enormous challenges facing third level students in accessing suitable accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38594/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I will continue to work with stakeholders to explore ways to increase the availability of student accommodation.

Some third-level institutions provide a range of on-campus and off-campus accommodation, and all colleges have an obligation to work with students' unions and other groups, to provide incoming students with details on accommodation options, and to promote the value and availability of student accommodation in their areas.

I am also encouraged by initiatives such as USI's 'Homes for Study', which lists spare rooms, apartments and digs that are available to rent across Ireland.

In the longer term, the Government is committed to addressing the housing shortage through the Construction 2020 strategy. This will not resolve all of our problems immediately, but I am confident that the implementation of Construction 2020 will provide us with a sustainable housing stock in the medium to longer term.