Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1419. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the outcome of the engagement between officials from his Department and officials from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the provider of student accommodation in Sligo regarding the shortage of student accommodation; the steps being taken to resolve this shortage in student accommodation; what is being proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/23]

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 in Sligo 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 DFHERIS to try to bring about a resolution quickly that will ensure that space for student accommodation can be preserved.

Both my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) are working closely to develop a joint approach going forward.