Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
913. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason student representatives were not present at the launch of the Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035; the engagement; his plans to include student representative bodies in the review and implementation process of same; and if opposition spokespersons were notified in advance of the launch on 24 March. [28481/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy was approved by Government and published on 24 March 2026. A formal launch did not take place.
I met with AMLÉ on 17th June 2025 and with fifteen other student union representatives on the following dates, 23rd June, 9th and 10th of September 2025.
I meet with student representatives on a regular basis and I intend to meet them again shortly to discuss a number of matters, including this new strategy.
As part of the consultation on the emerging strategy, my department officials met with student unions representative on 27th August 2025 as part of a broader programme of engagement on the emerging themes of the strategy.
To support the implementation of the student accommodation strategy, the Department will establish an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group. This group will serve as a central coordinating body, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders, including government Departments, higher education institutions, housing providers, and student representatives, have timely access to detailed information on student accommodation initiatives and progress.
