Dublin University allowances relate to periods of time (9)

I believe the answer is:

durations

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'relate to periods of time' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'dublin university allowances' is the wordplay.
'dublin university' becomes 'du' (this might be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'allowances' becomes 'rations' (I've seen this before).
'du'+'rations'='DURATIONS'

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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