Minister Lawless Says Govt. Can't Solve Every Issue For Students

It comes as students are calling for him to prioritise third level accommodation in the upcoming budget

Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless says the Government can't solve every issue for students.

It comes as students are calling for him to prioritise third level accommodation in the upcoming budget.

Hundreds gathered outside Leinster House yesterday (1 October) in protest over what they say are the rising costs associated with college.

More than 300 people marched from the Garden of Remembrance to Leinster House, calling for the Government to do more to help struggling students.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Higher Education Minister Lawless said it wouldn't be possible to solve every issue facing students in the Budget:

"I remember student protests when I was in college 30 years ago, there always have been student protests and there always will be, they're absolutely right to come out have their say and voice concerns.

"I wish we had enough money to throw out so students would never have to protest again, but in the real world, I don't think that's ever going to happen. Issues change, this year students rightly have a focus on accommodation, and the housing crisis affects students as much, if not more, than everybody else."

Minister Lawless ensured that "digs" accommodation is still available for students across the country, adding that they should consider it as an option:

"What I will say with student accommodation is that there's a lot of digs beds still available, some students aren't keen on taking up a digs bed, but I've been talking to colleges and digs providers, these are families who have a bed or two beds in the area around a college, at a reasonable price, sometimes there's meals incorporated. 

"It's a home away from home scenario," he said.

Minister Lawless also said research reflected positive experiences of students in digs, outlining that "three-quarters [of those surveyed] would recommend to a friend".

"If you're coming up from another side of county, a room in family home near college might be a very attractive first step. Right here in Kildare even, there are beds available and they aren't being taken up."

He also challenged the idea that these accommodations were sometimes overpriced, remarking that price "hasn't been a complaint I have heard about digs", further emphasising research carried out with students over the summer.

"I am every year trying to help with the cost that students face."

The full interview can be heard below: