Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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574. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure to be followed or expected in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awarded their second choice place in DCU and has now been informed that the course will operate as a virtual course; if they are entitled to a refund of the maintenance element of their payment which they have already made to the college in respect of accommodation; if the course is likely to continue remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28269/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 25th September intensified protective measures in third level were announced, in line with public health advice. This has meant that on-site activity will be minimised so long as these measures are in place. While I appreciate that this may be disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, these measures are necessary if the spread of the Coronavirus is to be halted.

These measures will be reviewed as the public health situation evolves, and I, my Department and the Higher Education Institutions will continue to act in the best interests of students and staff.

In relation to the refund of accommodation costs, in the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. I understand, based on the information available to me, that DCU allowed students to cancel their accommodation without penalty up until 5th October. If a student wishes to cancel their accommodation after this, they should contact DCU directly to discuss the matter.