Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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356. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 754 of 16 April 2024, the specific legislation that his officials and those from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are looking to amend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, Officials from my Department have been engaging with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. Officials from both Departments are examining a number of potential legislative amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004-2022, which will require Government approval.

Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. This service offers a choice of resolution types to parties – telephone, mediation or adjudication – and the option to appeal through a tenancy tribunal. Investigations can commence based on information received from a member of the public. It is open to a student to make contact with the RTB with any complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.