Concerns raised by the Union of Students in Ireland regarding the problems facing third level students in accessing accommodation in the private rented sector, especially in the greater Dublin area, are to be addressed.

John Gormley Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Education and Science have jointly launched a report entitled 'Students in the Private Rented Sector: What are the issues?'

The report was commissioned by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) at the behest of the Ministers.

The report's research was overseen by a steering group that included USI representation and was based on an extensive survey of over 1,300 students in five Dublin colleges.

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Among its key conclusions are that a majority of students are happy with their private rented accommodation, although 17.8% expressed a preference for better quality accommodation and that proximity to college is a very important factor in third level accommodation choices and also that a large majority of students have a positive relationship with their landlord, with only 5.8% describing their relationship as "poor".

The report aims to ensure that proper premises are used and are then properly maintained to the building industry's highest standards - which may in fact help create additional - much needed work for the bealeagured trade.

The Minister, recalling his own student experiences of substandard accommodation, said that "these new regulations bring to an end the era of the 'Rising Damp' traditional bedsit".

In welcoming the report, Minister Gormley reflected on his department's recent achievements in improving the minimum standards applying to the private rented sector.

The former minimum standards which tolerated aspects such as external toilets and use of open fireplaces as a sole heat source have been replaced by significantly enhanced new standards.

(BMcC/KMcA)