388. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update regarding his predecessor’s commitment to introduce legislation to ensure student accommodation leases are confined to the academic year of 41 weeks, following a pattern by private student accommodation providers to only offer rooms to students on a 51-week basis. [26168/24]

I, together with Minister O’Brien brought an updated memo for information to Government in May. This memo noted their intention to expedite a legal change to examine the duration of student accommodation contracts to reflect the academic year accommodation requirements, traditionally September to May annually, unless a student initiates a request for an extended 51 week contract.

The updated memo cited both Departments intention to examine the options in responding to the divergence to 51 week only contracts by some of the private sector providers. Both Departments continue to engage and work closely together so that these changes can be made as soon as possible, subject to advices and agreement of the Office of the Attorney General, to avoid any unnecessary financial hardship and additional costs on students and their families

Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. Investigations can commence based on information received from a member of the public. A student with specific concerns regarding their accommodation should contact the RTB in the first instance to seek advice or register a complaint.