30 August 2001 Edition
Student accommodation call
Sinn Féin Dublin South Central representative Aengus Ó Snodaigh has expressed his support for the Union of Students in Ireland's call for government action on student accommodation. USI is demanding the government to introduce policies that would encompass what they call the three F's - Fair rent, full tenants' rights and further investment in student-purpose accommodation.
``Every year, thousands of students go through the difficult process of attempting to find suitable accommodation,'' said Ó Snodaigh. ``But this year the problem seems to be worse than ever. Student accommodation is often wholly inadequate and conditions appalling. Those premises that are liveable in are financially above the means of most students. We are now seeing a situation where students are working up to 40 hours a week, alongside their time in college and at study, simply to afford a sub-standard place to stay. Others are travelling up to 100 miles daily because accommodation simply cannot be found in the urban centres.
``Government action is needed on this issue. Accommodation must be provided by the state. That accommodation must be of good standard and be reasonably priced. Students can no longer be expected to live in squalor and in poverty. We have now reached a crisis situation. Resources must be invested into this vital community.''
USI and the Union of Secondary Students have also this week called on second-level students to return to school after the summer break. The student body is concerned that many students who have been working over the summer months will be attracted by offers of continued employment to the detriment of their education. ``Part-time work can often be beneficial to students both financially and in terms of work experience,'' said Richard Hammond, USI resident, ``but in the longer term education has greater benefits for the individual, the economy and society.''
``Every year, thousands of students go through the difficult process of attempting to find suitable accommodation,'' said Ó Snodaigh. ``But this year the problem seems to be worse than ever. Student accommodation is often wholly inadequate and conditions appalling. Those premises that are liveable in are financially above the means of most students. We are now seeing a situation where students are working up to 40 hours a week, alongside their time in college and at study, simply to afford a sub-standard place to stay. Others are travelling up to 100 miles daily because accommodation simply cannot be found in the urban centres.
``Government action is needed on this issue. Accommodation must be provided by the state. That accommodation must be of good standard and be reasonably priced. Students can no longer be expected to live in squalor and in poverty. We have now reached a crisis situation. Resources must be invested into this vital community.''
USI and the Union of Secondary Students have also this week called on second-level students to return to school after the summer break. The student body is concerned that many students who have been working over the summer months will be attracted by offers of continued employment to the detriment of their education. ``Part-time work can often be beneficial to students both financially and in terms of work experience,'' said Richard Hammond, USI resident, ``but in the longer term education has greater benefits for the individual, the economy and society.''