Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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417. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that he is taking in response to concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) concerning the exploitation of international students due to the student accommodation crisis. [31730/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the issues raised by the organisation in question and in the media regarding accommodation issues for some international students.

Given that the welfare of international students is a priority for my Department, I was concerned to hear of the details in this case, which I understand relates to private rental accommodation in Dublin. As a nation, we pride ourselves on being a safe and welcoming destination for our international students.

However, as this relates to private rental accommodation it falls outside the remit of my Department and would be more appropriate for my colleague the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to speak on the actions being taken by Government to ensure that privately rented accommodation is of the highest standard. I understand from media reports there may have been a legal breach and therefore I do not think it is appropriate to comment any further.