Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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137. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline his engagement with Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage concerning the provision of student accommodation. [26395/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is engaging closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a number of actions in the Housing for All action plan. My Department is also represented on the DHLGH’s Cost Rental Viability Measure working group. This close engagement helps to ensure there is a collaborative approach to housing and student accommodation.

Our Departments are also working closely on the issue of the rising cost of construction. DFHERIS officials participated on the DHLGH working group that commissioned the Residential Construction Cost Study. I am working with Minister O’Brien to address recommendations arising from the study including examination of design standards for new Purpose Build Student Accommodation.

Our Departments jointly proposed the Rent a Room income disregard for medical card holders and local authority tenants.Work is ongoing across the relevant Departments to progress the implementation of these changes.

My officials are also engaging with DHLGH on vacancy. Local authorities are currently gathering data on vacant properties in their functional areas. This work is scheduled for completion in mid 2023. The data gathered can be used to inform policy responses, including for student accommodation.

In addition, my Department is engaging with the Residential Tenancies Board regarding tenancy protections and the provision of information and research to inform policy.

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