The Union of Students in Ireland has said the lack of accommodation is becoming a significant barrier to accessing education.
Speaking to an Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government today, Michelle Byrne, Vice President the Union of Students in Ireland, said rents being charged for the new student accommodation are regularly unaffordable for the average student.
She said students are sleeping in cars, staying late in the library and then couch-surfing with a friend and commuting long hours to get to lectures because of the rising rents.
In relation to the Anti-Eviction Bill, she said extending tenancy rights to students in purpose built accommodation is a vital change needed in current housing policy because students have little to no rights in this area.
She said the Residential Tenancies (Greater Security of Tenure and rent certainty) Bill, addresses problems for students including deposits exceeding one month's rent and a residential tenancies register.
