Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
289. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if an alternative venue can be sourced to facilitate a club (details supplied) which is due to close in June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17533/24]
View answerMy Department encourages schools to facilitate the opening of after-school facilities, wherever possible, for activities such as homework clubs.
The management of school premises at local level is a matter for the relevant school authorities. Any decision to make school premises available ultimately lies with the relevant Trustees/Property owners following a recommendation from the school authorities. However, as schools are often the centre of sustainable communities there can be mutual benefits in building links with the local community. It is recognised that schools play an important role in their wider communities and many schools make their facilities available outside of school hours for a variety of different uses and users.
The current 'Guidelines on the use of School Building outside of School Hours which can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/6c1358-guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours/ may be of assistance.
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to schools in relation to their current arrangements for the use of school buildings outside of school hours. The Guidelines outline the various scenarios and informs where consent of the Department of Education is required. These Guidelines (now called Procedures) are currently being updated and are expected to be published shortly.
