Schools Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024

Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Ceisteanna (154)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

154. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education if any consultation has taken place with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth regarding the updating of guidelines/procedures on the use of school buildings outside of school hours, noting the challenges being faced by afterschool services in securing sustainable use of school buildings to accommodate afterschool services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19705/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes where feasible. However, the decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into considerations the requirements of the school, students and staff.

The Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours were published in October 2017.

The process of reviewing these 2017 Guidelines (or Procedures as they are now called) is now near completion.

During the review process engagement took place with stakeholders, including other relevant government Departments on the Procedures, and would have referenced afterschool services and related matters. This included the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth.

It is expected that the new Procedures will be published very shortly.