Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the ability of technical universities to borrow funds to provide their own student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9076/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Housing for All contains a commitment to support TUs to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists, through access to appropriate financing.

In November 2022, Government approved funding of €1m to assist the TU sector in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The HEA appointed consultants, to undertake phase one of this work which commenced in June 2023.

Phase one has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, 1-to-1 meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation. In parallel with the data collection, the HEA is overseeing the development of a standardised Preliminary Business Case process and templates. The intention of this work is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. It is proposed that this will be achieved by using the demand analysis from the data collection process to inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of the second phase of the study.

Phase two of this study is to design and assess a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector. The phase two process has commenced and the deadline for return of proposals from the sector is the 15th of March 2024.

As part of this process, a number of delivery mechanisms are being assessed. This will include an examination of a borrowing framework for student accommodation. Any framework proposal will require approval by Government and the development of necessary safeguards to ensure that any capital programme of work will not impact the resources or financial position of the Technological Universities. We will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been working with Minister O’Brien on this matter and I really want to thank him for his continued support. We both agree the actions of these providers is unacceptable. While it may suit some specific third level students, it is not desirable or affordable for the majority of the student population and we intend to take a number of actions to mitigate this barrier to accessing higher education.

I will be writing to Dublin City Council and other relevant local authorities seeking an urgent assessment to ascertain if providers are operating in compliance with specific planning permissions for the developments.

Minister O'Brien and I are examining legislative amendments to ensure contracts are prioritised for students in the academic year under the Residential Tenancies Act.

I also encourage students to contact providers directly to ascertain the availability of accommodation for the academic year. Additionally under the Residential Tenancies Act (2016) landlords cannot ask anyone to pay more than the equivalent of two months’ rent to secure a tenancy.

I ask students to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. Student accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. A student can contact the RTB with complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.