Government must end student accommodation rip-off rents say Soc Dems

The government must protect students from being ripped-off when it comes to accommodation, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins.

Speaking in support of a protest outside the Dáil on Thursday, the Dublin South Central TD said that the cross-party protest with AMLÉ (formerly known as the Union of Students Ireland) called on the government to address the hardship faced by students when it comes to accommodation.

“Earlier this month, the Department of Housing proposed that rents for private student accommodation can only be reset every three years – however, it was reported that the Department of Further and Higher Education is at odds with this position and wants to allow for two resets to market rents during this period,” she said.

“Whether these adjustments happen every year or every three years, the principle doesn’t change; rents should not be allowed to reset to market rates.

“Students are being forced to commute long distances as they struggle to secure accommodation away from home, and for those who have, they’re faced with working long hours to fund their rent.

Cummins said “the interests of commercial operators cannot be put above the needs of students and their families at a time when accommodation costs are already acting as a barrier to accessing higher education.

“Students should be enabled to develop their love of learning and live a full, happy life in college, but the pressures they’re faced with have become unassailable for many.

“Investment in public and Higher Education Institute-owned student housing, improved protections for those renting in the private sector, and policy decisions that prioritise affordability over developer incentives must be at the top of the government’s agenda.

“Access to education should never be determined by how wealthy someone who wishes to learn is – it’s time to eradicate this inequality and support our students,” the Social Democrats TD said.