THE REPUBLIC had probably the lowest provision of dedicated accommodation for third-level students in northern Europe, Labour education spokesman Ruairí Quinn has said.
He suggested that mechanisms be put in place to enable third-level colleges, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Departments of Finance and Education to provide dedicated student accommodation.
"This could be on campus land surplus to educational requirements, or in conjunction with local authorities in areas unsuitable for family accommodation but which are required for urban renewal," he said.
Mr Quinn was speaking during the resumed debate on the Student Support Bill.
Timmy Dooley (FF, Clare) said that public representatives were aware of the kind of ongoing debate which took place each summer when young adults went to college.