Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is actively addressing the availability of student accommodation, given the challenges in the wider rental market. Through “Housing for All”, the Government has approved development of policy and provision of funding to increase the supply of purpose built student accommodation.

To date, the Government has approved a total of up to €61m in capital and current funding to unlock the development of circa 1,000 beds, with delivery beginning in 2024. These developments have planning permission but have stalled as a result of increased construction costs. My officials are also examining additional proposals for potential developments within the HEI sector.

Support of €1m is also being provided to our Technological Universities (TUs) undertake a needs assessment response framework for provision of student accommodation in key areas. My Department is also examining the mechanisms available including a TU Borrowing Framework in conjunction with other Government Departments, as part of the range of student accommodation initiatives underway.

There are an additional 938 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions for the upcoming academic year. There are also over 2000 privately funded beds due for completion this autumn.

My Department is also supporting increased usage of "digs" accommodation through the Rent-a-Room Scheme. The Government has introduced changes to the scheme; which provides a tax exemption for homeowners to earn up to €14,000 per annum in rental income. Income generated through the scheme may now be disregarded for the purposes of social welfare eligibility and also when calculating the qualifying financial threshold for medical cards and when examining reckonable income for support under the SUSI grant scheme. In addition work is ongoing with the DHLGH to facilitate Local Authority tenants to access the scheme. This summer, I launched a national media campaign to promote awareness of and participation in the scheme, targeted both at homeowners and students. My officials and I have developed guidance, which I will make available to assist students and homeowners in undertaking digs rentals. Based on date provided to my Department last week from the higher education institutions there are 2,311 digs beds currently available to rent near campus locations in Ireland.

The long term strategy is being actively developed in consultation with the relevant Departments, the HEA and through stakeholder engagement. It will also be informed by ongoing analysis across Europe and internationally for best practice for the delivery and management of student accommodation. I intend to bring this long term policy approach to Government in Q4, 2023.