As a close observer of the plight of several friends living in digs in Ireland, I am all too familiar with the severe issues they face every day. Their renting conditions, like many others across the nation, lack consistent standards, and demonstrate the urgent need for change.

It is vital to recognise that approximately 58% of full-time students in Ireland live off-campus, many of whom reside in digs. A recent survey showed troubling facts: almost a quarter of students living off-campus had issues with their accommodation including inadequate facilities, unresponsive landlords, and excessive rent (source: USI Student Housing Survey, 2019).

Therefore, we urgently need to establish and enforce standardised rules and regulations for student digs. These rules need to cover the basics such as minimum standards for facilities, rent control, and a formal process for dispute resolution. In providing this, not only will we ensure safer and better living conditions for our students, but we also contribute to an atmosphere where students can focus more on their studies.

Those currently studying away from home, their parents, their friends - we all witness the daily struggle. This is a personal appeal, an appeal from someone who has seen first-hand the need for change. Join us in this battle for rights and standards in student digs in Ireland. Help us make this change. The living conditions of our students are too important; the time to act is now. Please, sign this petition.