28 August 2001

---

Sinn Fein support USI call for action on Accommodation

Sinn Fein Dublin South Central representative Aengus O Snodaigh has expressed his support for the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) call for government action on student accommodation. USI are demanding the government to introduce policies that would encompass what they call the three F's - Fair Rent, Full tenants rights and further investment in student-purpose accommodation.

Mr. O Snodaigh said:

``Every year thousands of students go through the difficult process of attempting to find suitable accommodation. However, this year the problem seems to be worse than ever. Student accommodation is often wholly inadequate and conditions appalling. Those that are liveable are financially above the means of most students. We are now seeing a situation where students are working up to 40 hours a week, alongside their time in college and at study, simply to afford a sub-standard place to stay. Others are travelling up to 100 miles daily because accommodation simply cannot be found in the urban centres.

``Government action is needed on this issue. Accommodation must be provided by the state. That accommodation must be of good standard and be reasonably priced. Students can no longer be expected to live in squalor and in poverty. We have now reached a crisis situation. Resources must be invested into this vital community.''

Aengus O Snodaigh can be contacted @ 086 - 858 52 54.

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---