Galway Students’ Union President Mayo calls for ban on ‘abusive leases’

The Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe are today calling on the Government to accelerate plans to introduce promised legislation to ban compulsory 51-week student leases, before the Dáil adjourns on July 15.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has repeatedly said, both as Minister for Further and Higher Education and in his current role, that this issue would be addressed, and although a memo was presented to cabinet at the end of May, the legislation has not yet been adopted. introduced.

The academic year will run from 9 September to 9 May, over almost 35 weeks, for University of Galway students in 2024/25. Having to pay an extra 16 weeks of rent outside of term time leaves students and their families under enormous financial pressure.

This additional cost, in the context of an ongoing cost of living crisis, constitutes a huge barrier to access to education.

Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said: “Mandatory 51-week leases for students are unfair, unnecessary and benefit students who do not want or need a lease for that length of time. It is imperative that this issue is resolved before the Dáil goes into recess.

Failure to do so will cause more unnecessary hardship and extra costs for students, allowing landlords and private providers to take advantage, as we have already seen many times this year in Galway. This is particularly the case for Hubble Living student accommodation, which has attempted to increase rents by more than 30% for the next academic year.”