I wish to raise two issues. First, statements relating to Bessborough are being taken in the Dáil today. A debate on this matter was previously requested for the Seanad by my colleague Senator Noonan. It would be great if we could seek to have such a debate.

Second, the day before yesterday, the Government's new student accommodation strategy was launched by the Minister, Deputy Lawless. I have some concerns in relation to that strategy in the context of the over-reliance on private developers. In many ways, the strategy is one of public land for private developers. There are no protections in terms of rent caps for students or ensuring that college service charges cannot be used an excuse to increase rents above the 2% window relating to rent pressure zones. I request that the House engage in a debate on this matter.

I also have concerns in relation to the lack of engagement with stakeholders around the launch of the strategy. It was disappointing that Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn and student unions were not told about the launch. Some of them found out about it when they got calls from the media. It was a missed opportunity not to invite Opposition spokespersons on further and higher education to attend the launch, particularly in the context of having a more complete launch of the strategy. A lot of this has gone under the radar in terms of debate and coverage in the media. I would like to have a fulsome debate on the matter in the House.