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THE GOVERNMENT IS aiming to enact a Bill that would ban 51-week student leases in time for the Dáil summer recess.
This would mean that the legislation is in place for the upcoming academic year which starts in September.
The typical academic year lasts around 35 weeks and runs from September to May.
However, some student accommodation providers enforce minimum 51-week leases which results in students paying rent over the summer months even if they are not there.
Speaking to The Journal at the time, then Higher Education Minister and current Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was something he felt “very strongly about” and committed to amending legislation to crack down on the practice.
He added that it highlighted the need to “build our own student accommodation” rather than being reliant on the private market.
When approached for an update by The Journal last week, Harris remarked that the legislation is a “priority” for Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien and current Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan.
Ministers O’Brien and O’Donovan will today bring a memo to Cabinet to expedite the legal change and ensure students are only required to pay for student specific accommodation for the duration of the academic year.
The aim is to have the Bill passed by both Houses before the summer recess, which will require the cooperation of the opposition.
-With additional reporting from Jane Matthews
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The best watch of the euros so far imo. Football is a funny aul game, ain’t it?
@Paul Gorry: it sure is Paul.One would have to feel sorry for Modric.Brilliant goal though.
@Willie Marty: A bit surreal willie wasn’t it. The penalty miss and a few moments later that goal.
@Paul Gorry: that’s the Italians for you Paul.All it takes is one moment of brilliance.
Croatia’s big mistake was letting that goal in at the end.
@John Moore: There’s a job in post match analysis waiting for you
@John Moore: Fancy commentary?
I’m Watching these games and thinking Ireland wouldn’t stand a chance against any of them.
@reg morrisey: We will improve when Roy Keane and John O’Shea are managing them. Failing that, we may get in as a host nation, next time.
The centre half for Italy is one hell of a player great future ahead of him.
Italy aren’t good enough to win the tournament.
Poor quality match. I think we have seen the best of Croatia. Italy are not the team they used to be!
have your say