Thurles Information

Deputy Michael Lowry has received a response from the President of the University of Limerick, following his appeal for fairness for students, [See Here], latter who had paid rent or entered into rent contracts for accommodation.

The Deputy, in his representations to Limerick University, had stated that students and their parents, from his constituency had contacted him to say that the University is the only educational facility in Ireland that is not offering refunds to students for their on-campus accommodation. Lowry had stated publicaly that be believed that students should be refunded ‘as a matter of principle and good faith’.

In his response, the University President acknowledges that they have had queries in relation to the refund of accommodation fees “where a student has chosen to vacate in the current difficult circumstances”. He says “UL is in a process of quantifying the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. It seems likely at this stage, taking into account that additional Government funding has not yet been provided to the University, that a significant deficit will be incurred in both the current year and next year.”

“We will continue to balance our limited resources to ensure our own sustainability and to support public health and associated challenges mindful of the legislative requirement to act within our significant but limited budget. In some cases, this might mean that while we are sympathetic to certain requests, now we cannot devote budget until we have sight of a funding source which may be forthcoming at a later date.” he stated.

“We are working with our regulator/funders to assess the financial impact of the third party and our own needs; to understand what may be possible to fund in the future and until that work is complete we cannot make a commitment to refund accommodation fees.” he concluded

Tipperary Independent TD Deputy Michael Lowry has again appealed to universities, colleges and private landlords who have failed to cancel or refund paid rents to students; to review their stance on this issue.

Thousands of students are no longer using student accommodation due to the current Covid-19 crisis, but are caught up in private lease agreements or have paid their rent in advance for on-campus accommodation.

“Despite numerous pleas and calls, since Universities and Colleges closed; to refund this money or cancel obligations under the terms of a lease, some educational establishments and landlords have opted not to do so. This is grossly unfair and very stressful for students and, in many cases, their parents, who cannot afford to lose this money at such a difficult time”, says Deputy Lowry.

Deputy Lowry is particularly critical of the providers of large scale on-campus student accommodation, where students can be obliged to pay in advance for their rooms. “These students paid their rent in good faith and did not choose to leave on a whim. Circumstances determined that they vacate their accommodation, and this should be taken into consideration in the essence of fairness”, says the Deputy.

Deputy Lowry says that there have also been reports of students being asked to find new tenants for their privately rented houses or apartments by landlords who are refusing to break the terms of their lease. “Many of these students have lost their part-time jobs, either because they have had to return home or because their jobs no longer exist. They are no longer able to pay rent on a property they cannot use and do not need, through no fault of their own”, he says.

“The Covid-19 pandemic crisis has led to hardship for many people”, says the Deputy, “but an understanding of the situation has prompted a positive response in most cases. I am calling on these Universities, Colleges and private landlords to show understanding to their student tenants at this difficult time.”

Examination Fees for Leaving Cert
Deputy Lowry also feels that Examination Fees for the Leaving Cert class of 2020, should be waived. Currently students pay €116 on average to sit the Leaving Cert and the deadline for payment of this fee is April 30th. “Under the unique and unprecedented circumstances of this year’s exams and the current financial difficulties being experienced by families, I feel this is the fairest and most just approach”, he concluded.