1482. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the current cost of student accommodation; and the steps his Department has taken to ensure the aforementioned cost does not obstruct students' plans to pursue third level education. [64165/26]

1495. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on the current average cost for student accommodation per month; and his views on whether the current accommodation costs have obstructed young people from pursuing third level education. [64596/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1482 and 1495 together.

I am acutely conscious of the challenges facing students, including in respect of both the demand for and affordability of student accommodation. According to the most recent HEA Student Surveys (2023 and 2024), students reported average rental costs of €700 per month.

In March 2026, I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035. The Strategy takes a whole-system approach by supporting increased accommodation supply together with measures to improve affordability for students.

Over the past number of years significant steps have been taken by Government to reduce the cost of education for students in particular in respect of enhancing SUSI Grant support which is a key lever to promote access to education. I was delighted in Budget 2026 to significantly increase the SUSI non-adjacent maintenance grant by between €200 and?€430?for?approximately 30,000?eligible students whose primary residence is 30km or more from their HEI. This measure supports students who need accommodation closer to campus, while also helping to ease the financial burden associated with commuting, making student life more accessible and affordable.

I also introduced a permanent reduction to the Student Contribution Charge of €500 benefitting over 100,000 Undergraduate Students and I increased the threshold to avail of a €500 student contribution grant threshold from €115,000 to €120,000 benefitting students this academic year. In addition to this the Government has also continued to 2028 a rent tax credit of up to €2,000 for jointly assessed couples and €1,000 for single applicants which can help reduce the overall cost of rented student accommodation.

The Student Accommodation Strategy commits to enhancing targeted financial support in line with the estimates process to students. I recently published an Annual Options Paper on reducing the Cost of Education which includes a range of options to inform decision making for Budget 2027. I will be examining this paper and all levers within my control in respect of reducing the cost of education for students and their families in the upcoming estimates process.