The information requested by the Deputy is not held centrally by my Department.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies under the Universities Act 1997. As such, universities are academically independent and hold responsibility for their own administrative and operational decisions, including those relating to student accommodation.
With respect to private providers of purpose-built student accommodation, these entities operate independently and fall outside the remit of my Department.
However, it is important to note that all student-specific accommodation is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service and has statutory authority to investigate alleged breaches of rental law, including improper conduct such as attempts to circumvent Rent Controls. Where breaches are identified, the RTB may impose sanctions of up to €15,000 in addition to associated costs.
If any student believes that rent or additional fees are being used inappropriately to bypass Rent Control regulations, they are fully entitled to bring a case to the RTB or to report the matter for investigation. I strongly encourage any student or parent of a student who has concerns regarding their accommodation arrangements to contact the RTB for guidance or to lodge a formal complaint.
Finally, I can confirm that I have received no reports from either the Higher Education Authority or the Residential Tenancies Board on this matter.
