Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has engaged with private accommodation providers regarding returning deposits to students that will not be availing of student accommodation due to the blended learning format of the 2020-2021 academic year. [25741/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am conscious of the challenges faced by students regarding student accommodation this year due to financial pressures and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year. Throughout the last number of months my Department has been engaging with representatives from the higher education sector to address the challenges faced by students in this difficult time. My Department, in consultation with these key stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation relating to student accommodation closely.

Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached in regard to a refund.

If this is not possible, under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). While I would wish for private providers to show flexibility to students in this matter, it is not within my remit to issue instruction in relation to the private rental market.