Written answers

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Student Accommodation

Photo of Pádraig O'SullivanPádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if discussions have taken place with the private purpose-built student accommodation providers in relation to providing flexible arrangements for the 2020-21 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31095/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate that this is a year unlike any other for students, and that the accommodation needs of students have been significantly altered by the impact of Covid-19 on higher education. My Department, in consultation with these key stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation relating to student accommodation closely.

I understand, based on the information available to me, that a number of universities are offering flexible accommodation options to students this year, in response to the move to blended learning. Short term on-campus accommodation is available in several universities, and students should contact their institution directly to see what options are available to them.

I would hope that private student accommodation providers will recognise the evolving accommodation needs of students this year and respond accordingly, however no powers are available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action.

In relation to flexibility around existing tenancy or license agreements, the terms of the lease or license should be set out in an agreement signed by both parties at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage directly with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached.

If no satisfactory solution can be reached with their provider, under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board.

I have asked my Department to continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to continue to assess the situation and to monitor and report to me on developments on this issue in order to ascertain whether any further policy response is feasible.

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