The Government is "clearly unable to provide adequate, affordable student housing", says Senator Ó Ríordáin.
He adds: “Reports today of the ludicrous cost of new student developments across Ireland will do nothing to stem the tide of the housing challenges facing students. These new developments are targeted at international students who are consistently used as income sources for universities.
“Students need affordable and purpose-built housing. Not only for themselves but for the whole market. We have a situation where students are competing with renting families for the same homes. This is not sustainable.
"The Government will today release a progress report and try to spin these new student developments as being a major step forward but your average student does not have between €1000 and €1400 per month for luxury accommodation. The Government is clearly unable to provide adequate, affordable student housing.
"We are coming close to the time of year when panic around student housing sets in. These private student housing providers are manipulating students and especially their parents who want to ensure that their children are in good quality accommodation in Dublin.
“Labour’s proposal for State-led developments would mean providing affordable student accommodation and would take the seasonal pressure off the rental market.
"Students should not have to spend their entire summer struggling to find an affordable option for accommodation but should be taking time to get ready for the academic year ahead. They, like all renters, deserve certainty of tenancy and affordability.”