Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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555. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether a scenario in relation to a person (details supplied) is fair and equitable; if he will request the university to cease demanding such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39743/20]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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562. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the intentions of institutions (details supplied) to address the concerns of students in both college-provided and private accommodation in view of current circumstances further to his request to higher education institutions to show flexibility with regard to student accommodation cancellations and refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39880/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 562 together.

I am conscious of the challenges faced by students in relation to 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).

I have asked our higher education institutions, where they have accommodation, to try to show flexibility in terms of its use for the coming academic year, as well as flexibility with regard to cancellations and refunds. I would hope that private providers will show the same flexibility, however it is not within my remit to issue instruction in relation to the private rental market.

I am very conscious of the impact of the pandemic has had on our students. To ensure the safety of our students and staff in further and higher education, the majority of college will be online for this semester and we will provide financial assistance through a once off €50 million fund. This fund will ensure:

- students who avail of the SUSI grant, including students studying abroad, will receive €250 top-up in their grant;

- students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution;

- In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made for the payment of the monies to students.