Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth has called for universities and institutions to provide clarity around student accommodation.
Deputy Smyth said: “Students should not sign long-term leases until they know how long they will have to spend on campus because they may only actually require accommodation one or two days a week depending on the current situation with COVID-19”
“I would like the Education Minister Norma Foley to ask third level Universities and Institutions to provide more clarity to third level students who do not know what to do when it comes to their housing needs for the coming academic year.
“Students are being advised not to sign long-term leases until they know how long they will have to spend on campus because they may only actually require accommodation one or two days a week or they may be able to travel.
“There is huge uncertainty for students at present with only weeks to go before students are meant to return to their third level colleges and now many are being left in limbo as to what they should do about sourcing their student accommodation.
“This has been a testing time for us all but students need this clarity urgently before they hand over large deposits to landlords which they may not be able to get back depending on the amount of time they are spending in colleges for the coming academic year,” concluded Deputy Smyth.