Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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376. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to prohibit universities charging up to €14,000 for on-campus student accommodation; the engagement he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the context of rent cap legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32660/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 366, 376 and 381 together.

Legislation was brought in in 2019 to ensure that students would have the same affordability measures as tenants within Rent Pressure Zones. I am aware of the increases in UCD accommodation fees for the 2021 academic year and I am disappointed that UCD has sought to increase prices for students during the midst of a public health and an economic crisis.

Affordability must be a key pillar in the student accommodation sector and Department has been working with the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government on measures to ensure greater affordability of student accommodation. Legislation is being progressed which will restrict the up-front payments required to secure accommodation, including student accommodation, to no more than the equivalent of two months’ rent, and limit payments thereafter to on month’s rent at a time. Affordability of student accommodation will be discussed with stakeholders in the sector at the next meeting of the Working Group on Student Accommodation. My Department has sought information from UCD, provided through the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and will continue to engage with them.