The first issue I want to raise is the proposed closure of Carlow College. I had a public meeting online last night with concerned staff and students, people living in the area, members of the public, and students unions who are expressing deep concerns in relation to this, and seeking more clarity in terms of what will happen with specific courses and what it will mean for the local economy and students.

My big concern is that this is a workers' rights issue. There was a lack of information and transparency when it came to informing staff about this. There is a lot of worry at the minute and I urge the college to engage fully with the trade union movement. I know that SIPTU is seeking a meeting with the college. The Minister needs to provide further clarity for the general public. This issue is of public interest. I know that the further and higher education Oireachtas committee will be looking at this further as well and inviting representatives of the college to come before it in the coming weeks. The issue is also presently being discussed at the Committee of Public Accounts, but we need more clarity in relation to this.

I also raise the issue of student homelessness. A recent report showed that 346 students reported being homeless in the most recent academic year. We know that this is not the full figure because it does not account for couch surfing, for example, or other forms of hidden homelessness. We know that student poverty exists. Nearly one third of students in UCC two years ago reported going to class hungry and skipping meals because of issues around the cost of college. Coming up to the new academic term in a few months, there will be a scramble for accommodation again and issues around affordability. It should be a happy time for students and their families where they are excited about beginning a new chapter and going to college. It should be an exciting time but it is a time of great worry. I have requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss that issue and the issue of student rent caps. A very worrying practice is going on in some institutions whereby student rents in purpose-built accommodation are being raised by putting up the service charges, often without proper explanation as to why these charges are increasing. DCU is one example and UCC is another example. We need to clamp down on this. The Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, should be conducting more inspections and having more authority over it. The cost of college needs to be addressed. Student homelessness is another symptom and consequence of the wider homelessness issue in this country but it is definitely a big part of it as well.