Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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622. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm that some student accommodation facilities (details supplied) are not taking students for the 2023/2024 academic year because the units are to be used to accommodate international protection applicants or BTOP applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33926/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is aware of the need to ensure an adequate supply of student accommodation. At the same time, there is an obligation on the State to provide suitable accommodation to those people seeking shelter and refuge here.

The buildings in question had been offered to my Department through an open tender process. Nevertheless, officials from my Department are engaging with the provider and with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) to try to bring about a resolution quickly that will ensure that space for student accommodation can be preserved.

Both my Department and DFHERIS are working closely to develop a joint approach to the use of student accommodation.