Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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404. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the projected number of shared bedroom student accommodation to commence construction over the lifetime of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56089/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the projected number of shared-bedroom student accommodation developments that may commence construction during the lifetime of this Dáil. However, I can confirm that at the end of September, 1,637 beds were under construction nationwide. Planning permission has been granted for a further 15,132 beds, including 2,948 public beds.

Just last month, I announced the allocation of €67 million in State funding to enable UCD to enter contract for the delivery of 493 beds under my Department's Short-Term Activation Programme. I also officially opened Maynooth University’s 116-bed project.

Progress is also being made under the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, which aims to assess proposals from the Sector for projects located on or near each of the main campus locations. Stage 1 of this programme involved the submission of strategic assessment documents, exploring a range of delivery models, including purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and the repurposing of vacant properties. The second phase will focus on developing and evaluating preliminary business cases.

I will publish the new Student Accommodation Strategy (202-2035) later this year, which will prioritise increasing supply and enhancing affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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405. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide the details of students accessing emergency accommodation at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year and the previous three academic years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56090/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply directly to their HEI for support under the Student Assistance Fund.

Latest figures show that almost €13 million was distributed to students from the Student Assistance Fund to assist with accommodation related costs in the 2023/24 academic year.

In relation to distribution of emergency accommodation in HEIs, I must advise that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. HEIs are academically independent and are entitled to regulate its own academic affairs and administrative processes including decisions in respect of emergency accommodation.

In advance for the 2024/ 2025 academic year, an additional €440,000 was approved to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) specifically for any student who may find themselves in difficulty arising from their housing situation.

This increased funding to the SAF is intended for assisting students in funding emergency accommodation. However, there will also be discretion to provide funding as per the SAF guidelines for other emergency needs such as transport costs where emergency accommodation is not available to the student.

In addition, all higher education institutions continue to support their students to find accommodation through, for example, the encouragement of room rental or ‘student digs’ in family homes. As of 3rd October, our higher education institutions have indicated there are over 5,200 beds available in digs accommodation nationally.