Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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572. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that he is taking to ensure that Ukrainians enrolled in third level courses are supported in accessing student accommodation, where necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50047/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should be aware that, in the first instance, it is my colleague Mr. Roderic O'Gorman, Minister for of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth, who has primary responsibility for the provision of short-term emergency accommodation to displaced persons from Ukraine in Ireland. His Department has consistently stated that, given the challenging environment in which it is operating, it not in a position to provide bespoke accommodation solutions for those displaced persons seeking accommodation.

Nevertheless, I am keenly aware of the difficulties facing students, both Irish and international, in trying to find a place to live this year, a situation that has been further complicated by Putin’s war on Ukraine. The accommodation shortage is impacting all sectors of society and Government is working to address this problem strategically.

Under the Government’s Housing for All plan, it has now been agreed, for the first time, that the State will assist with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordable rents for students, something which it is hoped will benefit all future students, including international students. A new dedicated section has also been established in my Department to lead on this issue, and officials from this section will work with stakeholders to develop pathways to accelerate the delivery of this type of accommodation.

In addition I sought and received Government approval for a range of measures to assist displaced Ukrainians wishing to continue their education in Ireland. These include direct financial supports such as a stipend to be paid to Ukrainian full-time higher education students from the Erasmus National Grant and a bursary to support those taking SOLAS approved PLC courses, which can help meet accommodation costs.