Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his proposed timeline to implement proposals relating to a new model whereby the State would assist in relation to the provision of student accommodation. [59759/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation is an issue of which Government and I are actively pursuing. We are committed to addressing supply of affordable student accommodation for priority group students attending publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland.

In response to this issue and to increase supply, I brought proposals to Government this week setting out a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation for publicly funded HEI's. I am pleased to confirm Government has approved my proposed policy response to activate supply of student accommodation. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of on-site student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.

This policy will ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for student groups in line with the National Access Plan. At the heart of the new policy is a commitment to deliver student accommodation to those most in need, and to provide it at affordable rates.

I have already established a dedicated unit for student accommodation in my Department to develop and implement this policy alongside the HEA. The unit is working closely with the HEA and the HEI's to implement this new policy as soon as reasonably possible while complying with proper governance procedures.

Government has also agreed to a short-term activation plan to stimulate the supply of affordable accommodation for students attending college in UL, MU and UG with the development of up to 700 beds. The immediate priority is to deliver on projects where planning permission already exists but where developments have not proceeded due to increasing construction costs. In addition, my officials and I are continuing to engage with a number of other providers to evaluate proposals for activation of projects with planning permission for the provision of further additional supply.

I will also begin to prepare our Technological Universities for the construction of student accommodation. In order for our TUs to thrive and to ensure we have balanced regional development; we need to have more student accommodation in our regions. Our TUs are ready for the challenge and this funding will start them on their path.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline progress to address the student accommodation shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59839/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation is an issue of which Government and I are actively pursuing. We are committed to addressing supply of affordable student accommodation for priority group students attending publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland.

Fundamentally the challenge is one of supply of housing more generally. As a country, we know that we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation. That is why the Government launched Housing for All, led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage setting out a series of actions which will be delivered to address the housing crisis. The plan is backed by the largest housing budget in the history of the State to transform our housing system, in excess of €20 billion. Since taking up office, both my Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the wider higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy.

I received Government approval and support this week on outline proposals to increase the supply of student accommodation, including proposals relating to a new model whereby for the first time the State would assist directly in bridging the gap between development costs and rental affordability in relation to the provision of additional student accommodation with publicly funded higher education institutions. This will involve the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordability commitments on rent. In addition to policy development, Government has approved funding to support the provision of up to additional 700 beds for students attending MU, UL and UG. In addition, further engagement is ongoing with other providers including DCU and UCD who have planning permission for additional supply.I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit is leading the development of this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency, alongside the HEA and the sector.

This will also include support for TU’s in the development of feasibility plans on student accommodation in 2023 to develop appropriate responses to regional demand.